The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has apologised for an offensive image that depicted the First Minister in Arab dress.

Willie Rennie said that the cartoon of Alex Salmond had been "interpreted in ways that were not intended."

The image, made by Liberal Democrat staff, came after Mr Salmond had hailed similarities between Scotland and Qatar during a five-day trip to the Middle East on Monday.

The cartoon, which depicted Mr Salmond in Arab dress holding a camel, had been criticised on Twitter and Facebook after it was put online on Monday.

It mentioned the death penalty and gay rights and was made while Mr Rennie, the MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, was on a day off.

On Tuesday, he issued an apology over the image. He said: "I apologise for the offence that has been clearly caused by our cartoon on the First Minister's remarks in Qatar.

"Although I did not approve its publication I accept responsibility for it.

"It has been interpreted in ways that were not intended. It has now been withdrawn. I apologise."