THERE was incredulity yesterday as leading Conservative MSPs posted Valentine’s Day poems over the Scottish Parliament’s Alex Salmond inquiry.

Former Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw and former leadership challenger Murdo Fraser levelled corruption accusations at Scotland’s leaders in four-line rhymes.

Carlaw, who has made several social media posts accusing the Scottish Government, SNP and First Minister of corruption, tweeted: “Roses are Red. Violets are Blue, Nicola misled Parliament, & her husband did too.”

And Fraser tweeted: “Roses are red, Violets are blue, Scotland’s corrupt, Time to start anew.”

While many people liked or shared the messages, others criticised the MSPs for the moves, highlighting the fact that the inquiry hasn’t concluded and the seriousness of the subject matter.

The cross-party panel behind the probe – which includes Fraser – has been criticised for its handling of the investigation into the Scottish Government’s actions over harassment complaints against Salmond. He was cleared of sexual assault in a criminal trial but questions over evidence to the committee remain.

Responding to Carlaw, SNP activist Declan Blench tweeted: “Roses are red, Bluebells are blue, Prejudging the outcome of an investigation, Isn’t something you should do.”

Another user cautioned: “Poems sound funny, But they are still words, The basis for lawsuits, From those you have slurred.”