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The BBC's corporate affairs director for nations Luke McCullough added: "Every other BBC Scotland drama we make gets more than double that figure as a minimum."

Mr McCullough denied this and told the committee that the decision was based on editorial reasons.

Mr McCullough said the timing of the decision to end the show next year tied in with the end of the lease.

Eoin McCullough SC, acting for the broadcaster, told the High Court in Dublin the allegation had been "thoroughly investigated".

Addressing the 12-person jury, Mr McCullough said the programme had multiple sources for Martin's central claim.