Nicola Sturgeon says harassment policy was not there 'to get Alex Salmond' - live updates

Scotland's first minister is appearing before MSPs, amid multiple allegations that she broke the ministerial code

• Nicola Sturgeon apologises to women failed by Salmond investigation

1.28pm GMT

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Lib Dems, asks if the views of the complainers were sought about the decision to proceed after the 31 October 2018 legal advice was issued?

Sturgeon says she doesn't think so, she certainly didn't contact them. But she will check if they were contacted and report back to the committee. The first minister says these were not black and white judgements.

1.22pm GMT

Fraser says the level of damages awarded - more than 512,000 - indicated displeasure at the government continuing the case and again questions why the government did not drop its case on 6 December?

Sturgeon repeats her sorrow at the loss to taxpayers but says this was not just about Salmond but about a challenge to the entire harassment policy, which could have important ramifications for others.