Douglas Ross apologises for 'industrial language' in Holyrood
- Published
Douglas Ross included his mother in those he apologised to for swearing
Douglas Ross has apologised for using "industrial language" when a protest stopped First Minister's Questions.
The Scottish Conservatives leader was speaking about the government's planned deposit return scheme when shouts were heard from the public gallery.
Just before proceedings were suspended, a microphone picked up Mr Ross swearing in frustration.
Interruptions by climate change protestors during FMQs have been a regular occurrence this year.
When the cameras resumed filming, Mr Ross said people watching the debate were getting "pretty fed up by that childish behaviour".
He said: "I have to say it is becoming very tiresome these constant interruptions in First Minister's Questions."
Before his next question, Mr Ross offered an apology.
He said: "It's been brought to my attention that I perhaps used industrial language in response to the protesters who interrupted the session earlier.
"And to you and the chamber and everyone listening, including my mother probably, I apologise for that."
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme that the repeated disruptions from the public gallery during FMQs were a "new phenomenon".
"I'm not entirely sure why it's happening with the frequency that it has over the last few weeks," Ms Johnstone said.
"While I readily support the right to protest in the grounds here, of course, protest within the building is clearly disruptive to members as they go about their work representing their constituents."
She said the Scottish Parliament "prides itself on being open and accessible" but they would review visitor policy to see what steps could be taken to tackle the problem.
"Clearly there is a balance to be struck here," Ms Johnstone added.
Anti-oil protestors also smashed the glass surrounding William Wallace's sword at the Wallace Monument in Stirling on Thursday and demanded Scottish government opposition to new fossil fuel projects in Scotland.
Stirling Council said it was a "deplorable act of vandalism" and visitors would now be unable to see the sword for a number of weeks.
'Wee mistake'
The SNPs Westminster leader Stephen Flynn was seen saying the same expletive as Mr Ross during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
He was responding with confusion to Labour leader Keir Starmer's mention of the TV comedy series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet about a group of British construction workers who left the UK to find work in Germany.
Sir Keir referred to predictions suggesting the "average family in Britain will be poorer than the average family in Poland by 2030".
"If the Tories limp on in government we're going to see a generation of young people learning to say 'Auf Wiedersehen, Pet' in Polish, aren't we?" Sir Keir said.
Mr Flynn could be seen on the House of Commons live footage using the swear word in a question to his SNP frontbench colleagues.
Speaking later to Times Radio, Mr Flynn admitted it was a "wee mistake".
He said: "I think I maybe spoke for the public at that moment if I'm honest, because I think all of us were thinking 'what is Keir doing?'"
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- Published2 March 2023
