Commenting on the report from the Public Audit Committee that criticises the Scottish Government over the events surrounding the departure of former Transport Scotland Finance Chief Guy Houston, Liberal Democrat MSP and member of the Committee Nicol Stephen said:

"This is a damning report.

“The Scottish Government made some terrible mistakes and then failed to give full and accurate information to the Committee.

"Some very serious criticisms have been made in this Report. It is now vital that the Scottish Government gives a full and immediate response.

“Parliament needs to be assured that nothing like this will ever happen again."