A high-profile Highland councillor was accused of illegally claiming nearly £45,000 in benefits.

John Holden, 62, faces a series of charges which allege he obtained the cash to which he was not entitled over a period of nine years.

The case, which called for the first time at Inverness Sheriff Court, centres on allegations that he failed to notify the relevant authorities including Highland Council about his living arrangements, employment and capital.

He is accused of obtaining in excess of £34,000 of Income Support, £6,000 Council Tax benefit and £2,000 Single Person Occupancy discount to which he was not entitled.

The offence is said to have taken place between October 18, 2001, and August 24, 2008. The case against the prominent Labour politician was called on Thursday.

Holden did not make a personal appearance, but a letter from solicitors requested the matter be 'continued without plea' for three weeks. The case will call again at court on September 23.

Holden was charged after a lengthy inquiry and has since been barred from holding any council posts as a Labour councillor.