Controversial blog aide arrested

The blog by Mark MacLachlan is now offline

The former aide to Education Secretary Mike Russell, who left his post after a row over an internet blog, has been charged with breach of the peace.

Mark MacLachlan, 47, quit his role after it emerged he had used the blog to smear political rivals.

Lothian and Borders Police have confirmed a man had been arrested and charged.

It is understood police took the action in response to emails allegedly from the blogger to his former boss.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders police said: "A 47-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged breach of the peace. A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal."

Mr MacLachlan had run the Universality of Cheese blog under the pseudonym Montague Burton.

It contained allegations about the personal lives of politicians and other public figures.

The blog was removed late last November after Mr MacLachlan was unmasked as its author.