Ridiculed MSP says chest infection and lack of sleep led to committee blunder

Transport committee member Collette Stevenson says she suffered a momentary lapse of concentration during a meeting earlier this month

An MSP who faced ridicule over a blunder at a Holyrood committee has said she suffered a "momentary lapse" brought on by lack of sleep and a chest infection.

Transport Scotland director Graeme Cook then explained to her that it was a national agency which was part of the Scottish government.

The 57-year-old SNP politician added that she later took a week off work, on medical advice, to recuperate.

"I was in the early stages of a severe chest infection, which affected my sleep and, in turn, my concentration.

Transport Scotland director Graeme Cook explained to the MSP that his agency was an integral part of the government

Stevenson sits on the equality, human rights and civil justice committee as well as the transport committee, and is a substitute member of the delegated powers and law reform committee.

But earlier this month, after about two hours of evidence on Scotland's rail services, Stevenson asked: "I take it Transport Scotland is a registered charity?"

"Transport Scotland is an agency so all of the Transport Scotland staff are already part of the civil service.

Stevenson said that since her mistake she had been ridiculed and bullied online.

The MSP added her focus remained on serving her community, and thanked her friends, colleagues and constituents for their kindness and support.

Minister defends MSP colleague after Transport Scotland blunderPublished17 September