A Scottish mine worker has reportedly been arrested in Kyrgyzstan after comparing its national dish to a horse's penis on Facebook.

Scotsman Michael McFeat was held 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.

Mr McFeat has deleted the post but put an apology on his Facebook page on Saturday, saying: "I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely appologise (sic) for the comment I made on here about the kygyz 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."