Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney Liam McArthur has suggested that if Alex Neil is to continue in his unofficial role as Government spokesperson, that Ministers ensure he sticks to the script.

Alex Neil came close to pre-empting a Ministerial decision during an interview on BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme earlier this morning.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“I am curious as to what role the Scottish Government has in mind for Alex Neil. Is he a back bench free spirit, or is he the unpaid spokesman of the Scottish Government?

“His interview this morning on BBC Radio Scotland about the Lewis windfarm came very close to pre-empting a ministerial decision.

“If Ministers insist on putting up Alex Neil for the interviews they don't want to do, they would be well advised to make sure that he sticks to the script.”