Tavish Scott, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland has urged the First Minister to provide legal support for the Merger Action Group challenging the HBOS takeover at the Competition Appeals Tribunal.

Mr Scott pressed Alex Salmond on the issue at First Minister’s Questions, but as he failed to confirm that this support would be provided, Mr Scott has written to the First Minister.

In his letter, Mr Scott wrote:

“I was extremely disappointed that you did not answer my question about legal support. The Merger Action Group that is challenging the takeover is being threatened with huge costs by the Treasury.

“Your Government has made statements in support of keeping HBOS independent. In the interests of defending Scottish jobs, branches and the headquarters in Edinburgh, I ask you to provide this legal support.”