ALEX Salmond has warned the BBC it is “in danger of sending their viewers to sleep” as his party’s solicitor has written to the broadcaster pressing it to ensure its representatives are invited onto TV debates and other election shows.

The former First Minister has not ruled out legal action against the channel unless it gives his new pro-independence party fair coverage ahead of polling day on May 6.

In a letter emailed yesterday, legal firm Archer Coyle told the broadcaster’s political adviser Ric Bailey the BBC had an obligation under Ofcom’s rules to take account of the size and levels of support of parties in determining coverage.

The letter said: “On membership, on poll ratings and on projected seats Alba in a week has overtaken the Liberal Democrats, who are being given prominence in your coverage. In contrast, your TV news bulletins over the weekend ignored all Alba output, including the party’s first policy conference.

“You are of course aware that in terms of Rule 6.2 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, you must take into account evidence of current support of the competing parties and you must make the comparison in the context of all of the factors relevant to ‘due weight’ and ‘due impartiality’.”

Salmond said: “The BBC are in danger of sending their viewers to sleep in this election. In what should be the most exciting election in the history of the Scottish Parliament the BBC is stuck in their well-trodden rut ... Alba meets the requirements for inclusion in election debates and reporting in terms of membership, elected representatives and candidates across the country.”

Salmond was not invited to take part in the BBC debate last week.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We are looking, as we always do at this stage in an election campaign, at our plans for coverage in line with our guidelines and Ofcom’s guidance.”