Ex-Russell aide charged

A FORMER aide to a Scottish Government minister who left his post after a row over an internet blog has been charged with breach of the peace.

Mark MacLachan, 47, was employed as an aide to education secretary Mike Russell in his role as an MSP but quit his job after it came to light he had used a blog to smear political rivals.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed a 47-year-old man had been charged in connection with an alleged breach of the peace. It is understood police took action in response to e-mails allegedly from the blogger to his ex-boss.