Councillor Stefan Hoggan quit as both the SNP candidate and a party member in Fife North East on March 8, before news broke that he had faced a complaint.

According to The Courier, police have launched a probe into an allegation of sexual offences against Hoggan, who sits as an independent on Fife Council.

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The Cupar councillor has denied any wrongdoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating a report of sexual offences committed in the Cupar and Edinburgh areas, which was received in March 2026.

“Inquiries are at an early stage and remain ongoing.”

In a comment to The National, Hoggan said: “I completely refute the allegations in the media today. They are part of a vile and disgusting vendetta against me and I am fully cooperating with the police. I will make a full statement in due course.”

A SNP spokesperson said: “Mr Hoggan resigned as a candidate and an SNP member once a complaint about him was received. The SNP advised the complainant that whilst the party would progress a complaint about safeguarding, any alleged criminal behaviour would be rightly a matter for the police.

“Advice and support was offered to the complainant on how to progress a complaint to the police.”

In a statement prior to the allegations coming to light, Hoggan said he could feel things “slipping” after a “tough” few years.

He said: “I have stepped away, it was an extremely difficult decision, but I have worked very hard to get my physical and mental health to a good place after a tough few years.

“I could feel things slipping again and needed to put myself first.

“Whoever becomes the candidate in Fife North East has my full support and I wish them the best of luck on winning here and helping the SNP secure a majority.

“I would also like to thank all the activists who have played a part in the campaign so far, I am extremely grateful.”

Hoggan, from Auchtermuchty, was a performance para swimmer and triathlete for 15 years.

He was elected to Fife Council in May 2022, and previously contested the 2024 General Election, finishing second behind the LibDems’ Wendy Chamberlain.

Hoggan had previously said he would continue as a councillor in Fife until next year’s local authority election.