Harbour board moves to dispel speculation 30/10/14
Stornoway Port Authority has moved to dismiss public speculation over the recent resignation of its boss.
Capt Angus Smith left his post as harbour board chairman following what the board calls “extraordinary media intervention” on an internet blog over the weekend.
A statement clarifying background events was issued by harbour board chief executive, Jane Maciver, on Thursday.
The statement explains: “At a board meeting on 17th July 2014 Captain Smith, who is a boat builder, declared his interest in a board discussion regarding proposed works on a port authority vessel as he explained he might be helping a local engineer with his tender for the works.”
The proposed works appears to refer to alterations required to upgrade the harbour
launch, MV Pathfinder, purchased second-
The statement adds: “Following allegations made to the board regarding Captain Smith’s potential involvement in the works personally, an investigation was carried out and the findings of that investigation were reported to the board meeting held on Friday 24 October 2014 at which the board determined that no tender had been submitted by the local engineer, no contract had been awarded to that engineer and no benefit of any kind had accrued to Captain Smith or the engineer.”
The statement continues: “The board also found, however, that his informal discussion with the engineer about how they might work together amounted to a breach of its guidance for good governance and censured Captain Smith for this.”
It stresses: “The board did not regard this as a matter justifying Captain Smith’s resignation.
“The board convened again on Tuesday 28th October to consider the extraordinary media intervention following Friday’s board meeting.
“In light of public perception, and in the interests of the port authority, Captain Smith tendered his resignation.”