RUTH Davidson has been accused of hypocrisy after denouncing internet abuse then letting two councillors who posted racist and sectarian messages back into her party.

The Scottish Conservative leader, who has previously branded online trolls “cowards” and routinely calls out homophobic and other abuse, is under fire after the Stirling councillors were readmitted after a brief suspension.

The pair were suspended shortly after being elected in May after their previous offensive comments on social media were brought to light.

Alistair Majury, of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, was behind an account which tweeted in 2012: "Why is the Catholic Church against birth control? Because they'll run out of children to molest."

His Mulder1981 account also referred to “Tarriers”, a historically abusive name for Catholics.

Robert Davies, who represents the Forth and Endrick ward, also posted a series of racists tweets appearing to compare black people to cannibals.

One 2013 post of an archive photo of black people waiting next to a plane was captioned: "No, I am not your lunch. I am your flight attendant."

Another tweet read: "In the interests of security keep your loincloths with you at all times. Spears go in the overhead locker".

SNP MSP James Dornan said: “Ruth Davidson is a hypocrite.

“She is keen to call out racism, sexism and other unacceptable behaviour, except when her own colleagues are the guilty ones.

"But this issue goes beyond mere hypocrisy, and exposes the ugly reality of Davidson's Tories - a party which offers a home to extremist views, turns a blind eye to prejudice and allows those who spout offensive nonsense to hold elected office.

"That is utterly shameful, and the decision to reinstate these councillors makes it perfectly clear that racist and offensive attitudes are welcome in the Scottish Tory party."

Scottish Labour equalities spokesperson Monica Lennon said the decision to lift the councillors’ suspension was “shocking” given their racist and sectarian comments.

She said: “They have made remarks that have absolutely no place in our society.

“We have worked hard in Scotland to try to tackle racism and sectarianism and there is still more to do. Representing your community in local government is a privilege and an enormous responsibility. The Tories have badly misjudged this and must think again."

A Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: “How offensive do you have to be before Ruth Davidson decides that enough is enough?

“The decision to readmit these councillors despite their appalling behaviour shows the true heartlessness of the Scottish Conservatives.”

Green MSP Mark Ruskell said the Conservatives’ decision was "disgraceful”.

He said: “Disgraceful, imagine a racist and an internet troll now deciding on Stirling Council school bullying and equalities strategies.”

A Scottish Tory spokesman said: “Having served a suspension, both councillors have been readmitted to the party after offering unreserved apologies for any offence caused.

It has been made abundantly clear that behaviour like this will not be tolerated in future.”