Fresh twist to harbour board row 31/10/14
► Harbour board moves to dispel rumours
Events at Stornoway Port Authority have taken on a new development with one harbour board director dissenting from a statement issued over Capt Angus Smith’s resignation from the body.
Though, Mr Smith, who was chairman of the body, breached guidelines by having an “informal discussion” with a local engineer about “working together” on a tender to upgrade a harbour launch, the board did not believe the issue warranted his resignation, according to a statement issued on Thursday evening by Jane Maciver, the port’s chief executive.
An explanation aimed at counteracting speculation now threatens to inflame the row and has resulted in board member Alasdair Morrison making it clear he disagrees with Ms Maciver’s statement.
Mr Morrison said: “I wish to publicly disassociate myself from the misleading statement issued by Ms Jane MacIver, chief executive of the Stornoway Port Authority.
“It is a matter of private and now public record that our former chairman Angus Smith, resigned following a breach of every guiding principle and standard, board members are meant to adhere to. These standards include; openness, integrity and honesty.
“I was astonished to learn that the former chairman was consulted about the contents of this news release prior to its publication. That courtesy was not extended to current and serving members; I saw the news release after it was published."
► Harbour board moves to dispel rumours