Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond says he is ‘innocent of any criminality’ outside Edinburgh court

Former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond proclaimed his innocence today as he spoke to reporters after appearing in front of an Edinburgh court. 

"Let me say at the outset, I am innocent of any criminality whatsoever," Salmond said. “I refute absolutely these allegations of criminality and I will defend myself to the utmost in court.”

Salmond said he would not make any further comments while proceedings are ongoing. 

“I’ve got great faith in the court system of Scotland. […] That is where I will state my case.”

Police this morning confirmed they had arrested and charged a 64-year-old man, without revealing details of the case. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a 64-year-old man has been arrested and charged and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal. Proceedings are now live under the Contempt of Court Act."

Salmond was the head of the Scottish National Party between 2004 and 2014 and first minister from 2007 until 2014, when he was replaced by Nicola Sturgeon.

He is widely credited with leading the push for Scottish independence in the lead-up to the 2014 referendum.

A SNP spokesperson told Morning Wire that this is an ongoing police matter and that it cannot comment further.

He resigned from the party after allegations of sexual misconduct during his time as first minister appeared in the press. 

Earlier this month Salmond won an apology from the Scottish government for breaching its own guidelines while investigating the claims.