Angela Constance has been criticised for posting on social media about a ‘fabulous’ festive trip to Turkey while battling for her political life in a row over calls for a grooming gangs inquiry.
The embattled Justice Secretary faces an inquiry over allegations that she misled MSPs over comments by a child protection expert, as the minister resisted calls for a probe into the scandal.
On her social media sites TikTok and Instagram, Ms Constance posted short videos of her trip to the ancient city of Perge, near Antalya, famous for its Roman and Greek ruins.
Smiling as she moves around in a circle to give a 360-degree view of the site, she tells her followers ‘one of the great things about the ancient city of Perge, in Turkey, is that it’s an absolutely massive site’, and in the caption she said her trip last week was ‘fabulous’.
Ms Constance also highlighted the lack of signage instructing people not to touch the ruins or climb on them, meaning that ‘it’s a marvellous place to explore’.
On Instagram, she said she had spent Christmas Day exploring Perge which she said takes a ‘good two hours’.
The minister adds in an Instagram caption that she ‘loved the fact you could physically explore, climb and touch your surroundings’.
She also made a separate post in which she also moved around in a circle as she filmed herself, saying: ‘Let me wish each and every one of you a’ the very best and a guid New Year and good health and happiness for 2026.’
Under-fire Justice Minister Angela Constance’s video of her festive holiday in Perge, Turkey
Professor Alexis Jay, who asked Ms Constance to correct the record on what the Justice Minister had wrongly claimed she said on a Scottish grooming gang inquiry
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie MSP said: ‘Angela Constance’s attraction to ruins isn’t surprising – that is what her behaviour has done to her own credibility.
‘Victims who feel betrayed by Angela Constance’s utter failure to apologise will be disgusted to see her boring people on TikTok about a holiday instead of recognising the huge breach of trust she has perpetrated.’
A Scottish Tory spokesman said: ‘Angela Constance is free to take a break, but the real issue is that she continues to ignore serious concerns about her handling of the grooming gangs scandal.
‘Until she takes responsibility for misleading parliament, victims and the public will have no confidence in her ability to continue in this role.’
TikTok users posted criticism of Ms Constance, saying she is ‘on the run’ while another asked: ‘You not supposed to be representing your constituents at this time of year? Reform looking good.’
Others said she was ‘out of touch with ordinary people’ and ‘just wants attention’.
On Instagram, one user asked if Ms Constance was getting dizzy, referring to her moving around in a circle as she filmed the video.
Days after the First Minister insisted his Justice Secretary did not break the Ministerial Code, his three Independent Advisers said just before Christmas that a full investigation was now needed.
It is the first time the advisers have unilaterally held an inquiry into a minister’s conduct since they were appointed and given the power a year ago.
Ms Constance has been under growing pressure to quit after appearing to break the Ministerial Code by misleading Holyrood and failing to correct the record.
During a debate in September, she stated Professor Alexis Jay ‘shares her view’ that a grooming gangs probe in Scotland is not needed and that ‘people should just get on with’ protecting children.
While a clarification later appeared in the minutes for a government child protection group, Ms Constance failed to correct the parliamentary record.
This was despite a duty on ministers to do so ‘at the earliest possible opportunity’.
It later emerged Ms Constance also apologised in a call to Professor Jay without a civil servant present – another potential breach of the code.
She initially claimed it was a ‘private’ call, then admitted it was work-related.
The First Minister backed Ms Constance and insisted she would never mislead parliament.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘This was a few days’ personal holiday taken at the start of parliamentary recess.’
