Former Aberdeen Councillor threatening legal action over "Wallgate"
Willie Young was heavily criticised after it was claimed public money was used to pay for repairs on land he allegedly owned
Last updated 21st Sep 2017
Aberdeen City Council's former Finance Convenor says he’s considering legal action against the SNP over claims made during the local government election campaign.
Willie Young was heavily criticised after it was claimed public money was used to pay for repairs on land he allegedly owned – without the proper approval being sought from committee.
Council officers admitted at the time that there were 'serious failings' in the way the matter was handled.
In reality, cycling charity Sustrans agreed with the city council to have the path in Ferryhill repaired, but the decision was never formally approved.
Work was stopped when that mistake was uncovered.
Politicians - including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon - spoke publicly about the blunder.
A new report has cleared Mr Young of wrongdoing, saying specific staff could not be held accountable. The former Labour councillor has now revealed to Northsound News that he is considering legal action against the council's SNP group over a press release they issued at the time.
The report said:
"There was a lack of effective project governance.
"At no point was it determined which team owned the project, or which individual was ultimately responsible.
"There is no record kept of what actions were taken and why."
Mr Young went on to lose his seat at the election in May, concluding his fate was sealed because of what he calls a 'dirty trick'.
The report will go before the council's Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee next Tuesday.
The wall has since been rebuilt.