Bus board 'against new chief'

THE appointment of a prominent business leader as chairman of Lothian Buses may be blocked by the organisation's board of directors, it has been reported.

Ron Hewitt, who is an "unswerving" supporter of the trams project, is understood to be facing increasing opposition.

It was also reported today that the city council overturned directors' recommendation for the role, lawyer Ann Faulds.

Sources within the company said Mr Hewitt, who is chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, would enjoy "little or no support" in his proposed role.

It was also reported today that small businesses who received compensation from the project could be quizzed about tax they owe as a result.