Updated 15:30
Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has been charged with two counts of attempted rape and multiple counts of sexual assault.
The former Scottish National Party leader appeared in court this afternoon after being arrested and charged by police.
Scotland's prosecuting office has since confirmed that he faces charges over 14 allegations: two attempted rapes, nine sexual assaults, two indecent assaults and one breach of the peace.
Speaking outside court, he said he was "innocent of any criminality whatsoever."
"The only thing I can say is I refute, absolutely, these allegations of criminality and I'll defend myself to the utmost in court," he said.
"I've got great faith in the court system in Scotland. I have got recent cause to have great faith in the court system of Scotland.
"That is where I will state my case."
Alex Salmond. Picture by: Jane Barlow/PA Wire/PA Images
Sexual allegations
Police Scotland have been investigating sexual harassment complaints from two women against the former Scottish First Minister.
Mr Salmond has denied the claims, which date back to 2013.
Last night, Police Scotland confirmed that a 64-year-old man had been detained.
Mr Salmond resigned from the Scottish National Party (SNP) last year following the allegations of sexual misconduct.
A police investigation into the allegations was launched following the completion of an inquiry by the Scottish government.
Government case
Earlier this month, the former first minister won a court case against the Scottish government over their investigation.
A judge said some of the government's actions were "unlawful in respect that they were procedurally unfair and that they were tainted with apparent bias."
The government itself acknowledged that the investigation was procedurally flawed.
STATEMENT - Alex Salmond welcomes court victory as Scottish Government admits defeat pic.twitter.com/QHaFJm6BzJ
— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) January 8, 2019
