SAUDI lawyers acting for the British nurses released from the kingdom last week have threatened to sue the brother of murder victim Yvonne Gilford.

Mr Salah al Hejailan said Frank Gilford had caused Lucille McLauchlan, 32, from Dundee, and Deborah Parry, 39, from Hampshire, unnecessary distress by dragging out a decision on whether to accept blood money.

He told BBC Scotland that a claim against Mr Gilford had been filed in court because of the hardship suffered by the nurses.

Mr al Hejailan said: ''I have filed on their behalf against Mr Gilford because he's really the one responsible for all the hardship and difficulties that we've faced during the last year in court.''

He said Mr Gilford and his lawyers dragged the matter out unnecessarily and treated it in a ''very commercial way''.

Earlier, Mr al Hejailan caused controversy by suggesting the nurses made up allegations of abuse at the hands of the Saudi police.

Dundee solicitor William Boyle, who represents McLauchlan, said she had not instructed an action against Mr Gilford but may consider doing so.

''I can well understand why people would be extremely upset at Mr Gilford's actions and some of his comments. We have not ruled out any action against Mr Gilford but Lucille has not instructed any action,'' he said.

Mr Boyle said he would contact Mr al Hejailan to clarify what action had been taken.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Mr Gilford was poised to receive the #680,000 blood money, which he accepted as payment in return for overruling the death penalty imposed on Parry for his sister's murder.

The money, raised by British companies trading with Saudi Arabia, was withheld to ensure Mr Gilford's waiver of Parry's sentence, and the eight years and 500 lashes imposed on McLauchlan for her alleged part in the crime. It was reported that the money could be paid as soon as today.