aTHE Bank of Scotland yesterday refused to comment on reports that it has had to pay out several million pounds to free itself from its financial ties to television evangelist Pat Robertson, writes Gavin Madeley

A bank statement confirmed only that it had arranged to buy out the controversial American businessman's interest in a proposed direct banking scheme, which was scrapped following an emergency meeting in the US between Mr Robertson and bank chief executive Mr Peter Burt.

The showdown came after growing public disquiet over Mr Robertson's recent remarks about Scotland being a ''dark land'', overrun by homosexuals.

Insiders suggest that Mr Robertson has accepted a payment of around #2m - thought to match the sum he has already put into the venture - without leaving him any profit.

Other reports suggest the settlement could have been as high as #10m.

However, when asked about the figures, a bank spokesman said: ''We are making no comment at all.''

The bank has retained the right to develop the venture with another partner in the US, and is already said to be involved in talks.

An official statement released at the weekend stated: ''Dr Pat Robertson and Peter Burt, following a meeting in Boston yesterday, agreed that the changed external circumstances made the proposed joint venture between Robertson Financial Services (RFS) and Bank of Scotland unfeasible.

''Consequently, they agreed that the Bank would acquire the interests of RFS in the new bank under the terms provided in the contract.

''In reaching this agreement, Dr Robertson expressed regret that media comments about him had made it impossible to proceed.''