Alex Salmond's QC resigns as head of Scottish legal body after train video

The lawyer who represented Alex Salmond in his sexual assault trial has quit as head of Scotland’s legal body after a tape recording surfaced showing him discussing the case on a train.

Gordon Jackson QC was filmed by a fellow passenger appearing to criticise the former first minister and name his accusers, before he was acquitted of all charges.

The top lawyer apologised last month and referred himself to the watchdog for investigation.

But he has now announced he will resign as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates by June 30 “at the latest”.

In a statement, he said: "I have intimated my decision to resign as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, with effect from 30 June, at the latest.

"It would not, however, be appropriate for me to remain as Dean at a time when the faculty was considering disciplinary proceedings regarding my conduct.

"Accordingly, if, before that date, the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission remits the recent complaint for consideration by the Faculty's Complaints Committee, I will stand down as Dean immediately."

In the video, obtained by The Sunday Times, Mr Jackson was filmed on an Edinburgh to Glasgow train at the end of the first week of the High Court case.

It appeared to show him naming two of Mr Salmond’s accusers, despite strict rules protecting their anonymity, and calling the former politician a “sex pest”, adding that “he’s not charged with that”.

Mr Jackson previously said he “deeply regrets the distress and difficulties which have been caused” by the clip and said he did not view Mr Salmond as a sex pest.