Nicola Sturgeon apologises to women failed by Alex Salmond investigation

First minister under pressure to answer claims she misled parliament over harassment inquiry

• Sturgeon gives evidence to Salmond inquiry - live updates

Nicola Sturgeon has apologised directly to the two women who were failed by the Scottish government's investigation into their sexual harassment complaints against Alex Salmond, but denied there was any plot against the former first minister.

Sturgeon is under intense pressure to answer multiple allegations that she misled parliament as she gives evidence to the inquiry into her government's handling of the complaints, after previously secret legal advice and new witness evidence released on Tuesday evening led to calls for her resignation as first minister.