A Scots mine worker is to be deported from Kyrgyzstan after comparing the country's national dish to a horse's penis on Facebook, it has been reported.

Michael McFeat was initially detained by police after posting a picture of Kyrgyz co-workers queuing for a 'chuchuk' horsemeat sausage, with a caption comparing the spicy delicacy to a stallion's genitalia, the AFP news agency said.

It was reported that the caption upset his co-workers to such an extent that they called a brief strike at the Kumtor goldmine where he works.

It was feared that Mr McFeat, who is from Abernethy in Perth and Kinross, may have faced up to five years in prison in the Central Asian country over the post.

However, Kyrgyzstan media reported on Monday that a judge at Karakol city court has now ordered his deportation instead.

Shortly after the row erupted on Saturday, Mr McFeat deleted the original post and issued an apology.

He said: "I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely appologise (sic) for the comment I made on here about the kygyz (sic) people and horses penis. I truly never meant to offened (sic) anyone and im truly sorry as it was never my intension.

"I would also like to say the people in the picture had absolutely nothing to do with it. again im very very sorry."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are in contact with the local authorities after a British national was detained in Kyrgyzstan and are ready to provide consular assistance."

Mr McFeat was working as a contractor at the Kumtor mine. A statement from Toronto-based Centerra said: "The company is investigating the incident. Centerra and Kumtor does not tolerate behaviour by any employee or contractor that is insensitive to any cultural or national group."

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