The 64-year-old made no plea or declaration during a brief appearance in private before Sheriff Noel O'Brien at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

The case was continued for further inquiry and Mr Paton was released on bail.

Mr Paton appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court

Mr Paton had been arrested by Lothian and Borders Police on Thursday after being released on police bail by officers from an English force investigating allegations of sexual abuse of young boys.

Mr Paton was first held by Lothian and Borders Police at his home in the Gogarburn area of Edinburgh on Wednesday night.

TV presenter Matthew Kelly, 52, was also arrested by police in connection with the same operation and then bailed.

The inquiry, which is being led by Surrey Police, is based on allegations dating back 30 years.

A spokeswoman for the Surrey force said it had released Mr Paton on bail until 12 March.

Mr Paton guided the Bay City Rollers - one of Scotland's most successful bands - through their heyday in the 1970s as they sold 70 million records, attracting an enormous worldwide following.

Property developer

Critics dubbed the phenomenon "Roller-mania" as screaming fans, mostly teenage girls, copied the group's trademark tartan-fringed shirts and trousers and clumpy shoes.

The band, featuring Stuart Wood, Eric Faulkner, Les McKeown and brothers Derek and Alan Longmuir, were best known for hits including Shang-A-Lang, Bye Bye Baby and Give a Little Love.

But as the 70s neared their end the band's popularity waned, and Mr Paton was sacked in 1979 after 11 years.

He went on to become a property developer in his native Edinburgh.