The Westminster politician is unable to describe her attackers who, she says, surrounded her and caused her to fall.

When she awoke, Ms Moffat discovered her watch and other items of jewellery including a gold chain had been stolen. The thugs even removed her earrings and attempted to rip gold bracelets from her wrist.

Recovering at her home yesterday, the MP relived her ordeal.

Ms Moffat said: “I was doing a bit of running and a bit of walking and I heard a group of youths in front of me.

“These people are just scum. Just nasty, horrible people getting fired up with drink and drugs and not realising what they’re doing to people’s lives “I didn’t see them, but I heard them and I could tell that they were either high or drunk as they were very loud.

“I took my mobile phone out of my pocket and held on to it and when I came across them, I realised they were really quite rowdy and could have been a bit of a threat, but I didn’t think this much of a threat.”

She added: “I veered to the side away from them and put my head down.

“The next thing I knew, they were all jostling about and I don’t know if I was pushed or tripped or how it happened, but I went down and I knocked my head on a boulder or a stone of some sort and I was knocked out.”

Ms Moffat said she did not know how long she had been unconscious, adding: “All I remember is just falling down and my head banging and then wakening up again.”

The dazed MP was so disoriented she was unable to dial 999,  instead calling a friend who raised the alarm. Within minutes, police officers reached the scene, accompanied by paramedics who administered first aid.

Ms Moffat said: “They took my gold chain and my good watch and my diamond stud earrings and I had a diamond ring on that they took.

“They obviously tried to get my bracelets off, not realising there is a clasp on them, but they’re all scratched to bits.”

She added: “It’s more the shock of it really. The injuries will heal. Imagine if it was a frail, old lady. I don’t know if she would have survived it.

“It’s made me more aware of what it’s like to be a victim. To be honest, I don’t think they would know who I was. I doubt if they’d be able to tell you their own names. I think they were really quite drunk.”

Scottish National Party West-minster leader, Angus Robertson MP, issued a statement of sympathy on behalf of the SNP group.

It said: “Our thoughts are with Anne and her family for a speedy recovery after what was clearly a vicious and horrible assault, and we hope that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Lothian and Borders Police want any witnesses to the attack, which is being treated as assault and robbery, to come forward.

A spokesman said last night: “We are appealing for anyone, especially the group of youths who were in the area between 8pm and 9pm on Friday and may have seen the lady, to get in touch.”