NICOLA Sturgeon has scolded Ruth Davidson over her House of Lords peerage in a heated exchange at Holyrood.

The First Minister’s democratic credentials were called into question by the Scottish Tory Holyrood leader, who attacked the Government over its handling of complaints against Alex Salmond.

Davidson told MSPs: “This sorry affair isn’t just tarnishing the First Minister’s own reputation, it is damaging the institutions that it is her responsibility to uphold.

“Majority votes by members of this chamber to produce legal advice – ignored. Crucial evidence – freely available elsewhere – censored. Promises of openness and transparency – broken.”

She added: "The reputation of this Scottish government – tainted. The standing of this parliament – diminished."

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Sturgeon hit back, noting that Davidson is set to take a seat in the House of Lords.

She replied: “Ruth Davidson wants to lecture the rest of us about democratic integrity. But that’s the same Ruth Davidson who’s about to depart this elected institution, dodge an election, take a seat in the unelected House of Lords, where she will pursue a political career at the taxpayers’ expense, but never have to ask voters for their permission ever again.

“I don't think Ruth Davidson is in the position to lecture anyone about democracy.”

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The former Scottish Tory chief was nominated for a peerage by Boris Johnson last summer.

She is set to stand down as an MSP at the Holyrood election in May before taking her place in the Lords.

The Scottish Tories responded to the First Minister on social media after the clash with Davidson in Parliament.

MSP Annie Wells tweeted: “You have to laugh at Sturgeon's brass neck when she mentions the ‘taxpayer's expense’ when her government's flawed investigation into Salmond cost over half a MILLION pounds of public money. Never forget.”