The former finance secretary Derek Mackay will not face charges over “inappropriate” messages to a 16-year-old boy.
The Daily Record reports that Police Scotland consulted the Crown Office and drew the conclusion that no laws were broken by Mackay who resigned from his minister post on February 5.
The 42-year-old, who quit as finance secretary after the scandal broke, is facing calls to step down as an MSP.
READ MORE: Analysis: Does Derek Mackay scandal mark the beginning of the end for the SNP?
A source told the paper: “It was felt the trail of messages itself was inappropriate given the imbalance in power and the difference in age between the two parties.
“The messages were not highly sexualised and, in any case, the boy was 16 and of age. But consideration was given as to whether the messages could have caused fear and alarm or distress.
“Could there have been an aggravated breach of the peace or would some sort of sexual aggravation or grooming charge be justified? But all things considered, the consensus was that the threshold of criminality had not been reached.”
It was reported that Mackay and the boy had met on a previous occasion so they were not complete strangers.
READ MORE: Teenager at centre of Derek Mackay scandal speaks to police
Although Mackay had called the boy "cute" and made him feel uncomfortable, the boy had not been troubled by it and intended not to make a former complaint about his conduct to the police.
A police spokesman said: “We have not received any complaint of criminality, however, we are currently assessing available information.”
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