The Firm has learned that a special security vetted defence advocate has been appointed to represent Abdelbaset Al Megrahi in his forthcoming appeal hearings.

It is understood that a decision was made and communicated in writing on 19 August, which would place Megrahi in the unique position of having his case both argued and defenced by state instructed agents.

News that such a move was being considered was leaked to the media in May. A source who has seen the correspondence said the Scottish courts had "gone Soviet" by appointing security cleared counsel, understood to have taken place over the head of the client concerned.

It has subsequently been reported by the BBC that a letter from Foreign Office minister Kim Howells says it has decided to appoint a special defender.

The BBC has reported that Dr Hans Kochler, UN appointed observer to the proceedings said  "In no country can the situation be allowed where the accused or the appellant is not free to have his own defence team, and instead someone is imposed upon him."

The Crown Office have not yet confirmed the position, and Megrahi's solicitor could not be contacted.