SCOTLAND’S top police officer has raised concerns about “significant delays” in an investigation into his alleged misconduct.

A lawyer representing Chief Constable Phil Gormley insisted the complaints against him were “vexatious” and “opportunistic”.

David Morgan also said that while Gormley had “maintained a dignified public silence” since the allegations were made, his client had “very serious concerns over the significant delays and proportionality of the investigation being undertaken by the PIRC [the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner]”.

Gormley was placed on special leave in September. Morgan also said his client reserved the right to take legal action after a Scottish Police Authority decision to allow him to return to work was reversed. The lawyer’s comments were made in letters published by the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit Committee.

Justice Secretary Michael Math- eson is due to face questions about Gormley’s period of special leave at Holyrood today.