The Crown Office, which pursued seven individuals linked to the takeover of Rangers FC a decade ago, told the Daily Record that the failed prosecutions were “regrettable”.

It stated that “significant steps to safeguard against similar situations arising again” had been taken.

So far the Crown Office has paid out £52.2m to those it pursued.

The latest figure was revealed in a written answer to Murdo Fraser MSP amid claims the bill could exceed £60m.

A COPFS spokesman said: “We appreciate that these costs are particularly regrettable given the pressure on public finances. Throughout these cases we have sought to protect the public purse from avoidable costs. The Crown is committed to public scrutiny of these cases and more information will be made available in due course.

“Since the prosecutions which gave rise to these civil actions, the Crown has taken significant steps to safeguard against similar situations arising again. New arrangements for managing complex cases have been implemented and are now well established.”