Ex-Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond refutes criminality allegations

Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, 64, denied committing any crime after appearing outside court on Thursday having been charged with as yet undisclosed offences. "I am innocent of any criminality whatsoever," he said outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

"I refute absolutely these allegations of criminality and I will defend myself to the utmost in court. I would love to say a great deal more but I've got to observe the rules of the court and in court is where I will state my case."