Gough's last sentence was increased for contempt of court when he refused to put clothes on for his appearance at Perth Sheriff Court. Photo: David Hawgood CC-BY-SA-2.0

The Naked Rambler is back behind bars after enjoying just three days of freedom.

Former Royal Marine Stephen Gough was arrested near Dunfermline by Fife Constabulary yesterday for a breach of the peace.

Mr Gough, who gained fame when he walked naked from Land’s End to John O’Groats, has spent the last six years in jail for refusing to put on clothing when he is in public.

Each time he was released from jail, he was immediately re-arrested, but on Tuesday he was allowed to walk from Perth Prison without arrest in an apparent softening of attitude from law enforcers.

He said he was intending to ‘head south’.

But the campaigning nudist was arrested in Townhill, a suburb of Dunfermline, about 2pm on Friday.

He is expected to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Monday.