A LARGS councillor has waded into a row involving First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the BBC - after he told a network reporter to 'grow a backbone and tell Nicola Sturgeon to f____ off."

It came about after Mrs Sturgeon hit back at claims she was ‘enjoying setting her own rules’ outside of England amid the coronavirus pandemic on last Monday night's BBC news bulletin.

The controversial commentary came from BBC News Scotland editor Sarah Smith who said during the News at Ten that it was ‘obvious’ Sturgeon has ‘enjoyed the opportunity to set her own lockdown rules and not have to follow what’s happening in England’.

The Scottish First Minister angrily responded to Twitter to deny this was true.

When Ms Smith clarified the remark, and said she meant to say 'embrace' rather than 'enjoy', Alex Gallagher tweeted her: "Get a backbone. Tell her to f___ off."

Cllr. Gallagher has come under fire today for the remark.

Cllr. Alan Hill said he was 'horrified' by it.

He added: "I am appalled at Alex Gallagher's tweet, not only is it appalling language to put into the public domain but disrespectful and contrary to the Councillors' Code of Conduct. Alex has a pathological hatred of the SNP.

"I will be lodging a formal complaint with the Standards Commission. Alex Gallagher is a disgrace and should be ashamed of himself.

"Apart from a full apology, the best thing he could do is remove himself from social media immediately - and permanently."

However when contacted by the News, the controversial councillor refused to back down.

He said: "Alan should just calm down. I didn't use the swear word so he is over re-acting.

"I made a legitimate comment, if Alan doesn't like it, that is up to him.

"It is my suggestion that he should calm down and go and sit in a darkened room for a while.

"It is a free press. We should have the ability to criticise the government and the First Minister. I reserve the right to be critical of the government when they make mistakes."

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said: "This attack is a step too far. Cllr Gallagher is clearly not fit to continue as a member of North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet and the Standards Commissioner will no doubt wish to consider if he is fit to represent the people."