Sparks fly as councillors clash over budget 14/2/14
Sparks flew at a budget meeting when Western Isles Council voted through £2.5 million of savage cuts on Thursday.
Blistering accusations were exchanged after SNP councillor Gordon Murray tried to stop the council axing specialist teachers for gym, music and art in primary schools which would save £200,000.
He also wanted to stop a £30,000 cut to community minibuses in isolated rural districts.
But Cllr Roddie Mackay criticised the late notice of the proposed changes saying “this is the first we have heard of Mr Murray’s passion” for the services.
Cllr Rae Mackenzie retorted: “That is an absolutely diabolic thing to say.”
He accused Cllr Mackay of appearing in the media as the saviour of the Laxdale School bus when he “actually seconded the motion” for the policy to axe them.
The row continued after the meeting when SNP group leader Donald Manford clashed with Mr Mackay.
Mr Manford insisted that the council leadership had not finalised its budget proposals until the start of the meeting.
Mr Mackay maintained the SNP had weeks to air and debate its own budget plans.