Angry MSP storms out in row over Aviemore plan

Published on Wednesday 5 March 2008 20:54

A LIBERAL Democrat MSP stormed out of a Holyrood committee yesterday, accusing its Nationalist convener of playing party politics.

Mike Rumbles had tried to question Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) witnesses about a controversial planning application for the Aviemore Highland resort. SNP ministers have been accused of interfering in the process.

Two Sepa officials were giving evidence to the rural affairs committee's inquiry into flooding and flood management, and Mr Rumbles tried to question them about the Aviemore application.

The convener, Roseanna Cunningham, said: "I don't want these two witnesses to start going down the road of Aviemore. I'm ruling on this."

But Mr Rumbles hit back: "I want this information. That's not correct."

Ms Cunningham refused to budge, prompting an angry Mr Rumbles to leave. "This is a disgrace," he shouted as he left.

He later accused Ms Cunningham of being "extremely partisan and party political".