Jenny Dawe says SNP to blame for failed bail-out

COUNCIL leader Jenny Dawe has blamed the Scottish Government for the failed attempt to rescue the company behind the centrepiece of the Year of Homecoming, as it emerged its creditors are owed much more than was previously admitted.

Councillor Dawe said civil servants had been wrong to give the impression that firms owed money by The Gathering 2009 Ltd would be paid by the council.

She revealed an official announcement was made without her say-so and added she had been unable to find out who had sanctioned its release on behalf of the council in mid-October.

Consultants brought in to value the "brand" and intellectual assets of The Gathering found they were worth just 100,000 – a third of the previously announced debts.

Administrators have revealed that at least 430,000 is still owed. A further 300,000 of public cash has already been written off.

The Scottish Government said it had sought to secure the event's future by not seeking outstanding debts run up by the organisers.