SCOTTISH Green MSP Andy Wightman says a “huge worry” has been lifted off of his shoulders after more than £116,000 was raised in a crowdfunding appeal to help pay for legal fees in a defamation case against him.

Wightman is being sued for £750,000 by Wildcat Haven Enterprises over two blog posts that he wrote in 2015 and 2016.

He has now announced that supporters have raised just shy of the £120,000 target on his latest crowdfunder. A total of £54,000 was raised in a previous appeal.

READ MORE: MSP Andy Wightman vows to fight £750,000 defamation suit 'to the utmost'

The MSP tweeted: “Big hugs to all you 3202 lovely and generous people – £116,417 at the close. Huge worry off my shoulders.

“Now all I need to do is work hard over next 3 months to prepare the case. Will reflect further in days to come with blog update.”

Wightman has promised to repay contributions should he win the case and be awarded costs.

No MSP can become a bankrupt and retain their seat.