An investigation into allegations of historic child abuse at the highest echelons of British politics has led police to the Highlands.
Detectives from Scotland Yard are understood to have travelled north as part of the probe into claims a Westminster paedophile ring involving senior politicians operated at Westminster.
The officers interviewed four people, including Lady Joan Johnston – the widow of former Liberal Democrat deputy leader Russell Johnston, who was an MP in Inverness-shire for more than 30 years.
However, it is believed there are no allegations of wrongdoing against Baron Russell-Johnston.
The Press and Journal understands Lady Joan – and three other witnesses – were asked about any connections they may have with the late Tory MP Leon Brittan, who is at the centre of the abuse claims.
Lord Russell-Johnston, who died in 2008, had a home in London’s Dolphin Square, the block of flats which is the alleged location of a number of sex parties where organised abuse of children took place in the 1980s.
Lady Joan – who still lives in the area – said: “The only thing the police told me was that my husband’s name had not come up. He is not implicated.”
The officers are believed to be part of Operation Fairbank, which was launched in November, and is investigating possible abuse at Elm Bank Guest House, Dolphin Square and other locations in London.
One alleged abuse survivor – named only as “Nick” – has claimed he was taken to Dolphin Square regularly as a young boy and abused by groups of men, including politicians.
A murder inquiry under the name Operation Midland was simultaneously launched after Nick claimed he witnessed an MP strangle a child to death.
Among the other politicians who have had allegations made against them are Liberal MP Cyril Smith and former Conservative prime minister Sir Edward Heath, who are both now dead.
Last week, Labour peer Lord Greville Janner appeared in court over historical child abuse allegations.
He is accused of molesting nine boys at a children’s home between the early 1960s and late 1980s.
Lord Russell-Johnston was elected MP for Inverness in 1964 for the Liberal Party, and later for the Liberal Democrats, serving until 1997.
During that time he also served as leader of the Scottish Liberal Party and then deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats until 1992.