Jamie Hepburn, SNP MSP for central Scotland, has written to the chief constable of Strathclyde Police to seek assurances that allegations of extraordinary rendition flights using Scottish airports or airspace would be thoroughly investigated.

The move follows a parliamentary statement by First Minister Alex Salmond that the unlawful transit of an individual through Scotland to facilitate torture would constitute a crime under Scots law, and that allegations of such flights had been passed to Strathclyde Police.

“A number of very serious allegations about so-called ‘torture flights’ transiting Scotland have been made, and I am seeking assurance from Strathclyde Police that these are being thoroughly investigated,” said Hepburn.

“People across Scotland will join me in sharing the outrage expressed by the First Minister at flights of extraordinary rendition occurring within British Territory.”

No stone should be left unturned in determining whether such flights have transited Scotland, he said.

“Ireland has outlawed any such flights using its airspace or airports, and I call on the Scottish Government to press the UK Government to introduce similar measures here.”