Transport committee member Collette Stevenson says she suffered a momentary lapse of concentration during a meeting earlier this month
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An MSP who faced ridicule over a blunder at a Holyrood committee has said she suffered a "momentary lapse" brought on by lack of sleep and a chest infection.
Collette Stevenson, who has represented East Kilbride for the SNP since 2021 and is a member of the transport committee, was criticised after asking if Transport Scotland was a registered charity.
Transport Scotland director Graeme Cook then explained to her that it was a national agency which was part of the Scottish government.
Posting on Facebook, Stevenson said her illness had affected her concentration, and said she had been subjected to "misogynistic bullying" following the incident.
The 57-year-old added that she later took a week off work, on medical advice, to recuperate.
She posted: "During a recent committee evidence session, I experienced a momentary lapse in my questioning regarding the status of Transport Scotland.
"I was in the early stages of a severe chest infection, which affected my sleep and, in turn, my concentration.
"On medical advice, and following a flare up of asthma, I have taken this week off from Parliament to recuperate and allow the various medications to work, so I can focus on making a full recovery."
Transport Scotland director Graeme Cook explained to the MSP that his agency was an integral part of the government
Stevenson sits on the equality, human rights and civil justice committee as well as the transport committee, and is a substitute member of the delegated powers and law reform committee.
She has previously asked questions during committee meetings about the Clyde Metro development – a key recommendation from Transport Scotland's strategic transport review – and worked with the body on the East Kilbride rail enhancement and electrification project.
But earlier this month, after about two hours of evidence on Scotland's rail services, Stevenson asked: "I take it Transport Scotland is a registered charity?"
"Transport Scotland is a non-departmental government body," Graeme Cook, director of rail delivery for Transport Scotland, responded.
"Transport Scotland is an agency so all of the Transport Scotland staff are already part of the civil service.
"Transport Scotland is the same legal entity as the Scottish government."
'Mockery and misogynistic bullying'
Stevenson said that since her mistake she had been ridiculed and bullied online.
She said: "Whilst robust scrutiny is a necessary part of public life, the disproportionate abuse, mockery, and misogynistic bullying directed at me online following an honest mistake demonstrates the toxic culture women in politics still have to endure far too often."
The MSP added her focus remained on serving her community, and thanked her friends, colleagues and constituents for their kindness and support.
After the incident, SNP minister Stephen Gethins stood up for Stevenson's character, describing her as "a really good colleague and fantastic local advocate".
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