Former Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan said sunbeds have given him a thick skin to deal with criticism over his involvement in the independence movement.

Mr Sheridan said claims he was divisive and his involvement in the rally was turning away women from the independence movement were “nonsense”.

When asked if his libel and criminal cases which resulted in a perjury conviction and jail sentence, stemming from his sexual behaviour, and his history in the SSP when senior women in the party gave evidence against him, was an issue, he made light of it.

Read more: CCTV footage of man released after house 'deliberately' shot at in Calton

He said: “I think it is nonsense. I’ve got what I say is a colourful past. I’ve always stood up against the establishment and when you do that you get attacked.

“If they are attacking me at least they are leaving some other b****r alone.

“After so many years using sunbeds, my skin is quite thick.”

Sheridan also called on Nicola Sturgeon to announce a second independence referendum as early as March next year.

Speaking ahead of a Hope over Fear rally the ex SSP leader said he wants the First Minister to use the SNP Conference in Glasgow next month to set the date for a second vote in less than six months.

Read more: Image of Castlemilk lads recreated almost 50 years later stirs up memories

Mr Sheridan said: “The SNP has a mandate. When you’ve got a mandate you’ve got to use it.

“We hope on October 7 in the SECC the elected First Minister will lead Scotland by announcing Indyref2 in March 2019.”

The Hope Over Fear rally takes place in George Square on Saturday with an edited screening of Braveheart before speakers including Sandra White MSP, Alex Neil MSP and Angus MacNeil MP