Conservative MSP Douglas Ross has claimed he was assaulted by parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn following a fiery exchange between the pair about seagulls.
Former Conservative leader Ross has spoken to the police about the incident, in which he says Hepburn grabbed him and swore at him in an "aggressive manner", the BBC reports, as they left the chamber on Wednesday.
He told reporters: "I can see no way he can continue in his role in government, particularly in a role which means he has to work with MSPs."
Hepburn, however, downplayed the incident, insisting he had placed a hand on Ross' shoulder and used a few "choice words", but "that's it".
Hepburn, the BBC reports, said: "I will freely fess up to things I've done, but I will not apologise for things I've not done.
"I am clearly sorry I conducted myself in the fashion that I did and I recognise that I let myself down but that is the extent of it.
"Some of what has been suggested does not tally with the reality."