A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a 64-year-old man has been arrested and charged ... proceedings are now live."

Salmond, who was the Scottish first minister from 2007 to 2014, had been under investigation by police following claims of sexual harassment against him.

He strenuously denies the allegations.

Earlier this month, Salmond won a procedural case against the Scottish government over its investigation into harassment allegations brought by two women.

The government's handling of the allegations against Mr Salmond was ruled unlawful by Scotland's highest civil court.

Australian Associated Press