A pro-independence blogger's defamation appeal against former MSP Kezia Dugdale has been rejected.
The former Edinburgh MSP wrote a column for the Daily Record following comments by Stuart Campbell, who runs the blog, about the sexuality of Conservative MP David Mundell.
Campbell had alleged the comments were defamatory, and appealed the initial decision to turn down his claim for £25,000 damages.
The appeal was the first in Scotland to be conducted via video link due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The appeal court's decision, delivered by Lord Carloway, agreed with the Sheriff's ruling that the comments made by Dugdale were "fair comment."
The ruling said Campbell's tweet, which was the subject of Dugdale's article, was a derogatory remark containing a "gratuitous reference to Oliver Mundell’s father’s homosexuality.”
Campbell had tweeted in March 2017: "Oliver Mundell is the sort of public speaker that makes you wish his dad had embraced his homosexuality sooner.”
In a statement after the judgement, Dugdale said: "I feel a huge sense of relief that this whole saga is over.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
"I cannot thank the Daily Record enough, for the opportunity to write and their willingness and determination to defend the words written.
"At the heart of this case was the right of all Scots to freely express opinion; this important right has been upheld today."
Dugdale thanked her legal team, including Roddy Dunlop QC and solicitor Campbell Deane, as well her friends who provided morale-boosting support.
She also thanked LGBT+ charity Stonewall Scotland for supporting her throughout.
