In his letter to each man, Mr Wolffe said they should not have been prosecuted and, as Lord Advocate, and head of the system for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, he apologised unreservedly that they were.

The Crown accepted that there was a failure in its procedures in this case and that it should accept corporate responsibility, apologise to each man and seek to settle their claims for damages. This process is ongoing and currently confidential.

Further information on the basis for the Lord Advocate’s acceptance of liability on behalf of the Crown will become a matter of public record when related matters are resolved and cease to be sub judice.

The Lord Advocate has addressed the Scottish Parliament on related cases and has committed to a judge-led inquiry into these matters at the earliest possible opportunity.

Since these events, the Crown has taken significant steps which safeguard against similar situations arising again. New arrangements for managing complex cases have been implemented and are now well established. This involves closer monitoring of case progress, improved communication and the earlier identification of problems. There is additional oversight to ensure that this guidance is applied in a consistent manner.

Mr Wolffe wrote: “Between 2015 and 2016 Mr Imran Ahmad and Mr Charles Green were prosecuted in the High Court concerning matters associated with Rangers Football Club.

“They should not have been prosecuted and, as Lord Advocate and head of the system for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, I have apologised unreservedly that they were.

“I made a statement to the Scottish Parliament following the settlement of two related cases, and I said at that time that there had been profound departures from normal practice.

“Lessons have been learned from what happened and the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has taken steps to prevent a similar situation arising in the future.

“I have given a commitment that there will be a judge-led inquiry into these matters once all relevant legal cases have concluded.

“The actions by Mr Ahmad and Mr Green continue with a view to settlement of their financial claims.”