A married minister who is believed to have hanged himself is under investigation after being accused by his wife of having seven affairs with church members.

The Rev Dr Iain D Campbell, 53, who died in January, has been posthumously accused of the infidelity with seven members of his congregation on the Isle of Lewis.

The allegations about the minister, which are believed to have been made by his wife, Anne Campbell, are under investigation by the Free Church of Scotland.

Mr Campbell was rushed to hospital in Stornoway at the end of January. At the time this was reported as a heart attack, but it has now emerged that it may have been a drug overdose. He is believed to have hanged himself while in hospital.

He was a well-respected minister who was known as a talented preacher and accomplished theologian. The couple have three adult children.

Fellow Isle of Lewis minister Rev James Maciver, who conducted Mr Campbell's funeral, told the Telegraph: "There are certain processes underway. At the moment we're just investigating. We're obliged as a church not to cover things up.

"In order to make the investigation fair, we're confining comment to one statement."

In the statement, a spokesman said: “We can confirm that the Free Church of Scotland is investigating allegations made in connection with the late Rev Dr Iain D Campbell.