The First Minister has backed calls for Stuart Hogg to potentially be stripped of his MBE after admitting domestic abuse.

John Swinney has admitted he has been left “incredibly disappointed” by former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg’s admitting of domestic abuse.

Hogg pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic abuse against his estranged wife, Gillian, when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court and admitted shouting and swearing, tracking her movements and sending her messages, which were described as alarming and distressing in nature.

During his appearance at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed another non-harassment order barring the 32-year-old from approaching or contacting his wife for five years, mirroring one that was imposed last month.

However, Hogg will now be supervised for a year as an alternative to jail after he admitted the abuse over the course of five years.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called for Hogg to have his MBE rescinded over the conviction.

Hogg received his MBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours for his services to rugby.

Asked by journalists if he would back his Westminster colleague’s call, the First Minister said: “I think that’s a reasonable and understandable call that Stephen Flynn has made.”

But Mr Swinney declined to air his views on the sentence Mr Hogg has received amid concerns he has not received a stronger punishment for committing domestic abuse.

The First Minister said: “I don’t think it’s appropriate for the First Minister to comment on sentencing decisions.”

First Minister John Swinney | Jane Barlow/PA Wire

But he went on to criticise men, particularly role models, for their behaviour.

Mr Swinney said: “I think it’s absolutely reprehensible for men to behave badly in any circumstance of life. One example of that will be domestic abuse.

“I’ve made it clear that one of the points I think is incumbent on me as a male First Minister looking at some of the issues that are faced by women in our society is to give leadership that men should behave better in our society.

“That’s across all different aspects of life, but domestic abuse is a particularly strong example of that.”

Asked specifically whether he was disappointed Hogg, given his position as the former captain of the Scottish men’s rugby team, had been convicted of domestic abuse, Mr Swinney said he had been left “very disappointed”, adding he was “incredibly disappointed”.

Sheriff Paterson had told former rugby star Hogg the sentence was an “alternative to custody”.

Giving evidence in court, prosecutor Drew Long said the couple moved to Exeter in 2019 with their three young children, all under three, but Hogg’s “behaviour deteriorated” as he went out partying.

Mr Long said Hogg would “shout and swear and accuse Mrs Hogg of not being fun” for not joining in drinking, and that her family “noticed a change in her”.

The court heard that in September 2023, Hogg sent so many messages it led Mrs Hogg to have a panic attack, and Hogg “sent in excess of 200 texts in a few hours despite being asked to leave her alone”.

The couple separated in 2023 and Ms Hogg sought advice from a domestic abuse service.

Hogg now lives abroad and plays for French club Montpellier, and the court heard he is in the process of a divorce.

John Swinney 'incredibly disappointed' as he backs calls to revoke rugby star Stuart Hogg's MBE