Inverness provost won’t face Chaingate prosecution

THE PROVOST of Inverness will not face prosecution over allegations he acted aggressively towards his then deputy in a row over ceremonial chains.

Lib-Dem councillor Alex Graham was investigated for an alleged breach of the peace in the ‘chaingate’ dispute at a civic function attended by a Scottish Government minister and officials.

The then deputy provost Glynis Sinclair, an SNP councillor, made a formal complaint to police about the behaviour of Mr Graham when he challenged her for wearing a ceremonial chain of office against protocol.

The Crown Office has decided no crime was committed and the case had been closed.

The alleged incident took place at a civic reception in Inverness for the Scottish Inshore Fisheries conference on 7 February, attended by Richard Lochead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment.

A Crown Office spokesman said: “The Procurator Fiscal at Inverness received a report concerning a 60-year-old male in connection with an alleged incident on 7 February, 2013.

“After full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the report, Crown Counsel decided that no crime had been committed and the case is now closed.”

Mr Graham issued a statement saying: “I am delighted it has been confirmed that I acted correctly and properly in carrying out my duties as provost.

“There was no foundation whatsover to the complaint made against me.

“Having been a councillor in Inverness for over 21 year, I have always dealt with council colleagues and staff in a courteous and professional manner and will continue to do so in the future.

“The support received from my family and friends, council colleagues of all parties and the general public over the past few weeks has been tremendous and I would like to thank them all very sincerely.

“It is a huge honour to be provost of Inverness – my adopted city – and I will continue to serve Inverness to the best of my ability both as provost and as a councillor.”

Ms Sinclair, who has made complaints to senior council figures about alleged ‘bullying behaviour’ by Mr Graham, said she was surprised at the outcome, adding: “When I told Northern Constabulary police officers what happened they were sure there was grounds for them to take it further.

“I did what I felt was right and I still stand by what I said. His behaviour was completely unacceptable.”