MARK Meechan, who gained notoriety after teaching his partner's dog to perform a Nazi salute, has come to the defence of Tory MP Ross Thomson.

Thomson was fiercely criticised by Nicola Sturgeon after he hit out at a video promoting Scotland's diversity which was produced by the Scottish Government.

READ MORE: Ross Thomson faces huge backlash over 'most pathetic political intervention ever'

He said it was "an independence campaign by stealth" and "blatant politicisation of the civil service by the SNP".

The First Minister hit back on Twitter: "This by @RossThomson_MP is one of the most pathetic political interventions ever. @scotgov produces a film to promote diversity and welcome those who choose to come here from other countries - and he gets all upset. Hope @RuthDavidsonMSP has the good grace to be embarrassed."

Meechan, also known by his online handle Count Dankula, came to fame recently after being fined £800 for filming his partner's dog giving Nazi salutes in response to statements including "gas the Jews" and "sieg heil".

In response to Sturgeon's criticism, Meechan tweeted: "This man critiqued your use of funds and you sort of underhandedly tried to brand him as being against diversity, even though that isn't what he said at all.

"How about not trying to imply someone is a racist, and actually address his point instead?"

Another Twitter user then said Meechan had implied that the Scottish Government producing a positive video of Scotland was party political.

He replied: "I didn't make the point, Ross did, I was simply asking Nicola to address it instead of avoiding it."

Meechan was found guilty in April of posting material that was "grossly offensive" and "anti-Semitic and racist in nature" in breach of the Communications Act, in an offence aggravated by religious prejudice, following a trial at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

He has lodged an appeal against the conviction and sentence, receiving huge backing in a crowdfunder for the action.

The 30-year-old has defended the video as simply being a joke and said the court decision sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech issues.

Meechan's supporters include former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson.