SNP denies plotting to ‘destroy’ Brechin Community Council.

BRECHIN: Angus councillors accused of undemocratic and disrespectful attitudes by former chairwoman

The SNP has denied plotting to “destroy democracy and muzzle the voice” of Brechin’s community council.

Former Brechin Community Council chairwoman Jill Scott said she was “horrified, upset and disgusted” by the “revelations” contained in the latest minutes of the SNP Brechin and Edzell branch meeting.

Councillor Kenny Braes informed the SNP Brechin branch meeting there was “a problem with Brechin Community Council’s attitude to Angus councillors”.

The minutes of the meeting stated: “In particular, the chairperson had adopted a bullying and abusive attitude with both himself and Councillor Nicoll.

“Kenny said that he had a legal duty to prevent any councillor from being bullied and he was considering not returning to Brechin CC.

“He said that he attended a further three community councils in the area without any problem.

“Jim Houston commented that the attitude of Brechin CC is politicallymotivated and he intended to voice his concerns as a previous councillor.

“David Smart commented that elections for the community council were due shortly and we should consider having SNP candidates stand for election to change the political landscape.

“Kenny Braes commented that he believed the Brechin CC was driven by hostility towards Angus Council in general and not necessarily the SNP.

“Mike Weir said that there was nothing new in this hostile attitude of Brechin CC.”

Mrs Scott said: “The lack of respect shown to members past and present of Brechin Community Council and total lack of respect for the community as a whole by current councillor Kenny Braes, former councillor Jim Houston and former MP Mike Weir is quite frankly unacceptable.

“They are plotting to erode local democracy by stealth to infiltrate our local community council with politicallymotivated individuals to destroy democracy and muzzle the voice of our community.

“Brechin Community Council will continue to empower the community to ensure that their voice is heard.”

The minutes of the Brechin and Edzell branch meeting were sent out to all 179 members.

Community council nominations have now closed for the new term and Mrs Scott has applied for re-election.

Mr Braes said: “I do have concerns about... Brechin Community Council but feel it would ill serve the people of Brechin for me to engage in a public spat with the chairperson.”

A Brechin SNP branch spokesperson said: “No SNP candidates are intending to stand for election to Brechin Community Council in the foreseeable future.”

They are plotting to erode local democracy by stealth to... muzzle the voice of our community. JILL SCOTT