In an election year.
Yep, in Scotland it is an election year.
Mrs S pointed out a fact to me that I often forget, not having grown up under the Scottish legal system. When all is said and done, if it were just a matter of tainted evidence, even though that evidence were valid, the legal process in Scotland allows for a Not Proven verdict. It doesn't mean you are not guilty, only that the state couldn't conclusively prove you were guilty. It carries the stain of guilt without the punishment.
Salmond was not only found not guilty he has also been awarded half a million in damages.
Whilst I wouldn't trust Salmond as far as I could throw my car, I wouldn't trust the planet Sturgeon stands on.
This all comes together in May at the election. Let us see how it plays out.