River City actor David Paisley has revealed he is leaving Scotland because he no longer feels safe in his home.
The 42-year-old has spoken exclusively to the Daily Record after making the shock announcement this week on social media.
David, who plays Rory Murdoch in the Shieldinch soap, revealed his decision to uproot is based on months of harassment and abuse - which even led to the BBC carrying out an investigation into 'false malicious' claims against him from members of an anti LGBT organisation.
The Falkirk based actor who is an LGBT + activist, and has starred in productions including Tinsel Town, Holby and Casualty, told his followers he was moving and he had to do it for his own mental wellbeing.
In a tweet he wrote: "I love Scotland, and I've so much love for Glasgow. I think Scotland has an amazing future. I just have to do what's right for me and my wellbeing."
Following his announcement David revealed he had been sent a message to hang himself with instructions on how to prepare a noose from rope.
David who grew up in Glen Village, Hallglen told the Daily Record : "I made the difficult decision to leave Scotland in part because I stopped feeling safe at home.
"I have been subject to a large amount of online abuse over the last year from anti-LGBT+ accounts, including death threats and accusations that I abuse women and children.
"This started to spill over into my work and home life.
"An anti-LGBT+ group made false malicious complaints to the BBC, and organised their followers on Twitter to do the same.
"This led to the BBC starting an official investigation which thankfully concluded that the complaints had no merit. It was very distressing to be targeted at my workplace."
David was concerned for his safety in his home and says he has contacted the police about them.
He added: "A few weeks ago, I was made aware that a male follower of this group claimed to know my address and made threats against me, so I had to leave my home for my own safety.
"The messages were passed to the police."
The actor who is used to performing in the public eye admitted the threats had taken a toll on his mental health and given him anxiety.
He explained: "Since these incidents I've struggle with feeling unsafe both at home, at work and when I'm out in public in Scotland. I was having panic attacks and it's caused a lot of stress and anxiety.
"The toll all this has taken on my sense of wellbeing was just too much, I stopped going out and became very withdrawn.
"It had a very profound impact on my mental health and I had to get support from my local mental health team and my employer.
"I made the difficult decision to make a permanent move. Scotland is my home, but I would prefer to be somewhere I'm less recognisable and where I can feel secure and safe.
"I'm starting again in a new place and I've made some big life changes which I'm really excited about, professional and personal stuff that I've wanted to do for a long time.
"So, in some ways the change has been positive and worthwhile.
"I'm just sad that part of the reason I've had to make these changes is the actions of abusive anti-LGBT+ people online and in Scotland, that make it hard for LGBTQ+ people to live freely and feel safe.
"I love Scotland and I love living here. Scotland should be a place where all people feel free to live and be who they are without fear of abuse, intimidation or discrimination."
Since announcing he was moving, the actor has had a wealth of support from fans and colleagues within the industry.
Hollyoaks Actress Annie Wallace said: "So sorry to hear this, David. It's a jungle out there, and you have to put yourself first. Take care. x"
Chair of Welfare Scotland Rob McDowall added: "I'm so sorry David x"
The Rainbow Legion added: "So sorry you've had to go through this Scotland seemed for the most part the most queer friendly part of Britain but evidently the hatred spreads."
And Social Democrat Councillor Matthew Hulbert said: "In tears reading this, David. So sorry you've had to make such a heartbreaking decision.
"Thank you for always being there for our communities, even when it places you at risk of harm. You probably will never fully know how much it means to so many of us. Be safe and well."
