Perth & Kinross Council leader quits amid embezzlement investigation
Grant Laing has been charged with the crime over a period between 2017 and 2025
Last updated 22nd Sep 2025
Perth and Kinross Council’s leader Grant Laing has stepped down after being charged with embezzlement.
On Monday, September 22 the local authority announced its SNP leader had resigned for “personal reasons”.
Cllr Laing is now sitting as an Independent councillor and his deputy Eric Drysdale is interim leader of PKC.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 63-year-old man has been charged with embezzlement which occurred over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.
“A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Councillor Laing initially said he was quitting for 'personal reasons'
On Monday morning Perth and Kinross Council announced the council leader had tendered his resignation as council leader “for personal reasons”.
The PKC spokesperson added: “He will continue to sit as an Independent councillor. A new council leader and any related changes to committee appointments will take place at the next meeting of full council on October 29, 2025.
“In the meantime, Cllr Eric Drysdale is acting leader of the council.”
Cllr Laing’s resignation as leader is effective immediately.
Cllr Drysdale is now interim leader of Perth and Kinross Council and acting leader of the council’s SNP group.
"These are very serious matters"
Cllr Drysdale said: “I acknowledge the resignation of Grant Laing as leader of Perth and Kinross Council following today’s developments. These are very serious matters and it is right that due process takes its course.
“In the meantime, my priority as acting leader is to ensure stability and continuity for the council, its staff, and the communities we serve. We will continue to focus on delivering essential services and supporting the people of Perth and Kinross.”