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SNH boss accused of abusing his position      1/2/12

The boss of government agency Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has been urged to quit after claims he "acted outside the lawful limits of his authority" over plans to impose fishing restrictions around Barra.

Andrew Thin is accused of being perceived of abusing his position by facilitating legal environmental rules so not to spoil the scenic view around his family’s holiday home on Barra.

Hopes to build marine turbines and coastal energy schemes are likely to be hampered - along with fishing - if the proposal to designated a special area of conservation (SAC) in the Sound of Barra.

The associated blanket of tough rules risks jobs and would hurt the local economy warn critics and has resulted in unanimous opposition from every councillor in the Western Isles.

Mr Thin is at the centre of the row because he has spent many summers on the island in a property owned by a family trust. SNH Board Members’ register of interests shows he is a potential beneficiary if the trust is wound up.

Barra councillor Donald Manford has queried if Mr Thin had a conflict of interest and a "personal axe to grind" about his holiday home.

Mr Manford says the conservation designations could impede islanders’ ambitions to marine renewable energy schemes off the coast.

Now a damning report - commissioned by Western Isles Council - which calls for Mr Thin to quit has been lodged with the Scottish Government.

Scientist Ian Mitchell who wrote the report outlines the reasons in the document why he believes Mr Thin’s role is untenable and could result in a legal challenge.

Mr Mitchell stressed: "Given his personal interest in Barra, he should have excused himself from any role in determining the Sound of Barra pSAC. Instead he lobbied local stakeholders and tried to sell the idea to the public on Barra."

"As chairman of the government’s so-called "independent scientific" advisor, Thin should have stepped back from issues related to the island where he has taken holidays all his life."

A SNH spokesman said: "Our chairman Andrew Thin has not been involved in decision-making with respect to the scientific advice that we have provided to the Scottish Government in relation to a possible Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in the Sound of Barra.

"As with any similar controversial issue, however, he has kept himself fully informed on the issues involved in order to be in a position to brief Scottish Ministers as required in his role as SNH chair."

He added: "Mr Thin does not own a property on the Isle of Barra. He does holiday there from time to time in a property controlled by his brother and two non-family members. This is, as you would expect, declared in his register of interests.

"Our role is advisory. Scottish Ministers have the final say on whether a proposed site is designated or not."