First Minister John Swinney expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on the private prosecution of footballer David Goodwillie, who was found to have raped Denise Clair in a 2017 civil case. 

Clair is now seeking to launch a private criminal prosecution, but her efforts have faced delays, prompting criticism from Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay. 

Findlay accused the Crown Office of failing to explain why it did not prosecute Goodwillie, despite a judge’s ruling that Clair had been raped. 

Swinney acknowledged the government’s delay in responding to Clair’s request and called for greater urgency in engaging with her legal team. 

He apologized to Clair for the prolonged inaction, emphasizing the need for swift resolution.