Councillor censured for 'disrespectful' behaviour

An Aberdeenshire councillor has been censured after it was found he broke the code of conduct by being "disrespectful" to a senior employee at the Peterhead Port Authority (PPA).

The incident involving Alan Buchan - who represents the Peterhead North and Rattray ward for Reform UK - followed an event at the PPA headquarters in October last year.

A Standards Commission for Scotland (SCS) panel concluded that, on the balance of probabilities, he had "shouted and behaved in an angry, argumentative and antagonistic manner".

It concluded, at a hearing in Aberdeen on Wednesday, that a censure was the "appropriate sanction". Buchan has been approached for comment.

The SCS acknowledged that the interaction had been initiated by the employee and Buchan's reaction has been "spontaneous in nature".

However, it considered there was no reason why he could not have responded "calmly and courteously".

It added that Buchan had behaved in a manner which was "aggressive and entirely inappropriate for a professional context".

The panel accepted that, while it may not have been his intention, he had been "disrespectful and discourteous" in breach of the councillors' code of conduct.

It noted, in mitigation, that his conduct was limited in duration and had not been personal in nature.

It added that he had been "challenged unexpectedly" and his reaction had been "entirely spontaneous".

Malcolm Bell, who chaired the hearing, said: "The requirements for councillors to treat everyone with whom they come into contact in their capacity as elected members with respect is a key provision of the councillors' code."

PPA chief executive Graeme Reid welcomed the decision.

He said: "The commission has made clear that our employee was subjected to conduct that fell below the standards expected of an elected representative.

"We hope this outcome sends a clear message that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect in the course of their work."