Members’ say:

Delegates at an SNP National Assembly in Ayr yesterday expressed their support for Alex Salmond – but said the allegations should be fully investigated.

Tom Muir 80, FROM LARKHALL, SOUTH LANARKSHIRE

Tom, who has been an SNP member for 55 years, said: “It’s a storm in a teacup. A nine-day wonder.

“It’s got to be investigated if anyone has done anything wrong.

“The Scottish Government set in motion and the SNP set in motion certain procedures and if

Alex has to address it in court then so be it.”

Janice Donaldson 68, FROM BEARSDEN, EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

Janice joined the SNP in September 2014. She said: “In this country the law is innocent until proven guilty.

“Alex Salmond says he has done nothing illegal and I believe him.

“He says he has not been given all the evidence. If that’s true, it is terribly unfair. He must have been really pushed to go to court.”

Bill Mills

73, FROM LANARK

Bill has been in the SNP for 45 years. He said: “I think there’s been a lot of disruption and misunderstanding.

“It’s been reported as Alex Salmond taking judicial process to the Scottish Government. That’s not true. It’s to the civil service of the Scottish Government. It’s important we distinguish between them.”

David Thomas

62, FROM BEARSDEN

David who has been in the SNP for 10 months, said: “It’s a difficult situation and yes, I endorse the view that people need to be heard.

“A complaint has to have a full and honest hearing.

“I don’t like to restrict people’s voices but there are some mischievous and mendacious voices out there.

That hurts the accused and the accusers.”