The Scottish heritage body has been embroiled in a racism scandal, after The National revealed its director referred to tourists as “chocolates”, and has been left in chaos after its chief executive was suspended.

Now it has emerged another senior leader at crisis-hit HES was reprimanded after an investigation was launched when the Line of Duty star was “made uncomfortable” by their behaviour, according to The Scotsman. 

Rod Stewart’s wife, Penny Lancaster, was also reportedly left upset after the incident occurred at a work event, according to HES correspondence seen by the news outlet.

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Witnesses reportedly claimed a senior HES manager became drunk and sat on a guest’s knee before standing up and twerking in front of Compston.

It was also claimed the senior figure also posed for a picture with Lancaster and referred to them both as “two dumb blondes together”.

HES reportedly brought in an external expert to carry out a HR investigation into the incident after complaints were made claiming both celebrity guests were made to feel uncomfortable.

HES chief executive Katerina Brown, who has separately been suspended following just one year in the position, reportedly supported the external investigation at the time.

The complaint against the senior staff member was reportedly upheld, but HES has not disclosed what sanctions were taken against her.

According to The Scotsman, sources close to the matter said the external investigator criticised what was described as an internal culture of fear and commented that staff were too scared to talk, meaning a full probe of the incident was unable to be carried out.

A leaked report claimed witnesses said they felt “uncomfortable and frightened to speak for the fear of retribution”. 

The external investigator reportedly also recommended that HES commission a “culture review” with all staff in that area of the organisation.

A HES spokesperson said: “As a matter of policy, HES does not comment on individual personnel matters. 

“We remain committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and safe environment for all staff, partners, and stakeholders, and allegations are dealt with following the appropriate policies.”