The "gagging order" imposed on Tommy Sheridan as part of his early release licence was only lifted two hours before his release from Castle Huntly open prison, he has revealed.

Over the weekend, The Firm reported that Sheridan would be barred from public speaking for a period of 6 months as a condition of his release, a restriction unprecedented in Scots criminal law.

Sheridan said today that the order was removed from his licence conditions this morning.

"It is a relief to be able to speak personally for once. It seems a long time now since I have been able to speak," he said.

“Up until a couple of hours ago, I didn’t know I was going to be able to speak. Up until a couple of hours ago I was still gagged. I was told two hours ago that that gag has now been lifted. Unfortunately, although I am not to be gagged today, I will be tagged.”

Sheridan's solicitor Aamer Anwar said the authorities had "come to their senses".

"Tommy was told before Christmas by the Scottish Prison Service that on release he could not speak directly to the media. Such a condition would have been a draconian attack on his right to free speech," Anwar said.

"Over the weekend we stated this would be illegal and challenged it in the courts. The authorities have come to their senses and a gagging order will not be imposed.”

He added that he was now instructed to prepare a new appeal on Sheridan's behalf.