Probe launched into canteen theft

A reported £10,000 has been stolen from a Holyrood canteen

Police have launched an investigation into the theft of a reported £10,000 from inside the Scottish Parliament.

Officers were called after the money went missing over the weekend from a safe in a restaurant area used by catering firm Sodexho.

The safe belonged to the firm's general manager and the money was due to be collected by a security company.

MSPs have called for an immediate review of security procedures after the second breach in days.

A Sodexho spokesman said: "The money was waiting to be uplifted by a security firm.

"All of our staff in the parliament go through the same vetting procedure as anyone else working in the parliament."

Security questions

The theft has raised a further question about security after undercover newspaper reporters were able to wander around the complex without proper checks at the beginning of the month.

Scottish Conservative chief whip Bill Aitken said: "This is a deeply worrying incident which shows a serious breach of security in the parliament.

"I'm sure the police and parliament authorities will be launching a full investigation and a review of procedures."

The Scottish National Party's Fergus Ewing added: "After the previously documented security breaches at the weekend the corporate body should get a grip on the situation immediately.

"The parliament should have access to the public but it has to be safe and secure for those who work in it."

A Scottish Parliament spokesman confirmed an internal investigation was under way into the theft.