WINGS Over Scotland's Stuart Campbell intends to appeal a sheriff's decision to reject his defamation bid against Kezia Dugdale.
The decision, which follows a poll of the site's followers that found 90% in favour of the move, comes amid the threat of "incomprehensible" costs awarded to the former Scottish Labour leader.
Campbell had launched a £25,000 defamation case against Dugdale after she accused him of making homophobic remarks.
While Sheriff Nigel Ross ruled that her comments were incorrect, his claim for damages was rejected.
READ MORE: Wings Over Scotland defamation case against Kezia Dugdale rejected by court
The verdict of a hearing over costs was revealed yesterday.
The sheriff awarded full costs to Dugdale, with an additional 50% "uplift" as a result of the "complexity" of the case – meaning an expected £100,000 expense for Wings Over Scotland.
While that ruling cannot itself be challenged, a successful appeal against the initial ruling would likely see the verdict overturned.
If an appeal fails, it would add an additional £50,000 to Wings's bill.
Writing on his site, Campbell said: "No explanation was given with regard to the supposed complexities from which the uplift arose.
"Apparently if you’re a lawyer who’s been paid tens of thousands of pounds to debate a single tweet you also deserve a 50% bonus by way of extra compensation for all the stress and trauma of, um, doing your normal job."
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