Craig Whyte seen in Edinburgh Balmoral Bar

Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Guests at the Balmoral Hotel in Princes Street confirmed that the shamed tycoon was seen in the bar with a mystery woman, enjoying a few drinks. Whyte, described as ‘looking relaxed’ by an onlooker was even approached by some Celtic fans in the bar who thanked him for leading Rangers to their financial demise last year.

A hotel guest added: “Whyte was sitting chatting to a woman and enjoying a drink - he was laughing and joking and looked very relaxed. But he left shortly after.”

The 42-year-old businessman failed to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court earlier this month, despite having witness citations to give evidence at the trial of his former housekeepers, who are accused of stealing a number of items from Whyte’s Moray castle between June and September of last year.

Jane Hagan, 50, and Terence Horan, 53, both of Oxfordshire, deny the accusations, and are due back in court in August, with the trial rescheduled for September.

The Sun report that a source close to Whyte - who is rumoured to have been hiding out in Monaco - denied that he was on the run from police, adding: “Craig was never worried about the warrant - it has been sorted out.

“It was never given to the police and it has been squared up with the fiscal. He just needs to turn up at court at the next date.”

Whyte was also told in April to re-pay nearly £18 million, and £680,000 interest to Ticketus, over his takeover of Rangers.

The former Rangers chief bought the Ibrox club from Sir David Murray in 2011 for £1, but ultimately took them into administration 12 months later.