Scott was a passionate patriot steeped in Scottish history and tradition.

ECONOMIST: Sir Walter Scott

But one of Mr Allen's local authority partners, Eric Milligan, who sits on the Lothian and Borders Police Board, said the idea of a single force betrayed the localised history of Scottish policing and threatened the independence of the force.

BBC: Scottish police force merger plan outlined

The trial is due to last between two and three months and is expected to become the longest perjury case in Scottish legal history.

BBC: Tommy Sheridan begins own defence in perjury trial