THE Secretary of State for Scotland has been urged to intervene in the case of a US musician who is facing deportation.

Dr Steve Forman, a percussionist who teaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, recently won an immigration appeal on human rights grounds.

But the Home Office has appealed against the ruling, arguing that the 68-year-old earns too little to meet strict immigration rules.

Ms Forman has won widespread support from the Conservatoire, students, other musicians and politicians.

Ann McKechin, MP for Glasgow North, said she had written to Alistair Carmichael calling on him to offer his help to Mr Forman.

She said: "I was dismayed to find out that the Home Office have applied for the right to appeal the decision - this is frankly an outrageous response to a case which had clear merit and has been a bitter blow to Dr Forman who is desperate to make Scotland his new permanent home.

"I along with many others do not want him to endure yet another long period in limbo and with the worry and frustration this brings."

An immigration judge ruled that Dr Forman, who has played with artists such as Pink Floyd, David Bowie and John Lennon, was an "exceptional" person and that there was an "exceptionally strong and compelling" case to let him stay in the UK.

Dr Forman does not claim benefits and earns in the region of £5,000 a month from his salary, royalties and other sources of income.