Actor and trans rights advocate David Paisley has said he is leaving Scotland because he no longer feels "safe". 

The River City star said he had made the "big and difficult" decision to settle somewhere else, and that he would continue to support the Scottish LGBT movment from afar.

Mr Paisley, originally from Falkirk, previously said in June said he had been the subject of threats and had temporarily left his home after details of his address were circulated online. 

The Herald:

Mr Paisley became embroiled in a row with Joanna Cherry MSP

However, he Tweeted today that he had now made the decision to leave Scotland permanently, saying: "So I've made quite a big and difficult decision. I've decided to leave Scotland, in part because I no longer felt safe in my home.

"I love Scotland, and I've so much love for Glasgow. I think Scotland has an amazing future. I just have to do what's right for me and my wellbeing."

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The actor added: "Not everyone has the luxury to be able to move and start again elsewhere, so solidarity with the Scottish LGBT+ community and especially the trans community.

"You'll always have my support and love, and I stand beside you always as an ally, a friend & proud LGBTQ+ rights advocate."

Mr Paisley has played a number of television roles during his career since 2000, including the likes of Holby City, Casualty and Eastenders.

The actor was handed a regular role on BBC Scotland’s River City as Rory Murdoch in 2006 before departing in 2009. He later returned to the Scottish soap in November 2019.

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Through advocacy for LGBT rights, Mr Paisley became embroiled in a row with Joanna Cherry MSP, and was asked to was asked to pay £2,000 in legal fees and donate £500 to charity after he questioned Ms Cherry's support of a fundraiser on Twitter.