A CAMPAIGN to rehabilitate Macbeth is to be relaunched this week in Holyrood – sparked by a resurgence of interest in another of William Shakespeare's villains, Richard III.

Alex Johnstone MSP will table a motion arguing that the Scottish medieval king's successful reign was misrepresented by Shakespeare, and that as a ruler he bore little resemblance to the murderous tyrant in the famously dark play.

He also calls for more efforts to boost awareness of the reign of Macbeth in the 11th century, and of that period of Scottish history.

Mr Johnstone's move was prompted by a debate over the portrayal of Richard III after the discovery of his skeleton under a car park in Leicester.

Richard's remains were found in August, and last week scientists said tests confirmed the remains were those of the slain English king.

"It is ironic that Macbeth remains an iconic monarch to this day largely because of Shakespeare, but I would rather he was iconic on the basis of facts rather than fiction," said Mr Johnstone, the Conservative MSP for North East Scotland.

"I am of the strong belief that this episode south of the Border should act as a catalyst here to right the wrongs about the reign of Macbeth."

A draft of the motion to be put down by Mr Johnstone reads: "The play is arguably more a reflection on the relationship between Shakespeare and his patron King James VI rather than an attempt at historical accuracy".

It adds: "The perceived successful reign of King Macbeth remains misportrayed to many on the basis of his treatment by Shakespeare and -greater efforts should be made to increase awareness of the reign of Macbeth and Scottish history of the period.

The MSP's motion adds that renewed interest in Macbeth could boost visitor numbers to places associated with this monarch such as Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire, where he was killed in battle.

A debate on Macbeth, his reign and Shakespeare's portrayal of him could be held in the Scottish Parliament's chamber if there is sufficient support for the motion.

Mr Johnstone originally called for a restoration of Macbeth's reputation in 2005 on the 1000th anniversary of the king's birth after he was contacted by an American history professor.

His call led to renewed interest but that has since dwindled.

Dr Fiona Watson, an honorary research fellow at Dundee University and author of Macbeth, A True Story, welcomed Mr Johnstone's motion.

"I believe it will spark interest again in the historical figure of Macbeth," she said.

"He absolutely was not the tyrant Shakespeare made him out to be," she said.

"Macbeth's reign tried to break the mould of the time and put Scotland in an international context.

"He made a pilgrimage to Rome and he invited Norman knights who had been expelled from England to act as his advisers, becoming members of his household.

"In doing so he introduced an element of professionalism and expertise into his circle which was new."

She added that Macbeth brought stability to Scotland, ruling for 17 years in a time when many kings ruled only for a very short time.