ALEX Salmond has been acquitted of attempted rape and a series of sexual assaults.

A majority of the jury at the high court in Edinburgh found the former First Minister not guilty of 12 charges of attempted rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.

They delivered a not proven verdict on a charge of sexual assault with intent to rape.

After the verdicts were read out in court, Salmond thanked court security officers and the judge Lady Dorrian.

For reasons that cannot be reported two jurors were discharged by the judge on Monday morning, reducing the size of the jury from 15 to 13. 

During his evidence, Salmond told the jury that he wished he had been “more careful with people’s personal space” but that he had never had “non-consensual relations with anyone”.

The former First Minister said some of the charges were fabrications for political purposes.

He told the jury: “From where I stand now, I wish I had been more careful with people's personal space, but there was no intention whatsoever to offend," he said.

"But I'm of the opinion, for a variety of reasons, that events are being reinterpreted and exaggerated out of all possible proportion."

He was asked to explain why, by his QC, Gordon Jackson.

Salmond said: "There were two reasons - one is that some, not all, are fabrications, deliberate fabrications for a political purpose. Some are exaggerations taken out of proportion."

Salmond claimed one of his accusers actively encouraged at least five others to “exaggerate or make claims” against him.

READ MORE: Salmond vows that facts will soon see light of day

The 65-year-old was first arrested and charged by Police Scotland in relation to the allegations in January 2019.

Speaking outside the court, Salmond thanked the jury and said the verdit had proved his faith in the Scottish justice system.

He added: "I'd also like to thank the court service have been courteous beyond limit, over the last two weeks and to the police officers, who've manned this trial under these extraordinary circumstance.

"Obviously, above all, I'd like to thank my friends and family for standing by me over the last two years. I'd like to thank my brilliant legal team, who are absolutely exceptional.

"And I'd like to thank all of the people who've sent so many messages over the last 18 months or so, but particularly in recent days.

"As many of you will know, there are certain evidence that I would have liked to have seen led in this trial but for a variety of reasons we were not able to do so.

"At some point that information, that facts, and that evidence will see the light of day.

"But it won't be this day, and it won't be this day for a very good reason. And that is, whatever nightmare I've been in over these last two years it is as of nothing compared to the nightmare that every single one of us is currently living through. People are dying, many more are going to die."

Addressing directly the journalists and photographers outside the court, Salmond said: "What we are doing just now, and I know you've got a job to do, is not safe. I know it's your job but is aint safe.

"And my strong, strong advice to you is to go home, those who can are able to, take care of your families. And God help us all."