Suspended Edinburgh Zoo boss returns to work and prepares for pandas

THE senior manager behind the deal to bring two giant pandas to Edinburgh Zoo is to return to work after being suspended earlier this year, it has emerged.

Iain Valentine was removed from his post in April pending an investigation into what was described as "matters of a very serious nature".

Yesterday Hugh Roberts, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said that, following an internal investigation, Mr Valentine - who was director of animals, conservation and education - would be returning to the organisation next week but in a different role.

Mr Valentine's suspension came amid months of turmoil for the zoo, one of Scotland's leading tourist attractions, which included the suspension of another senior manager, the sacking of a third and the resignation of chairman Donald Emslie, after a vote of no confidence by RZSS members.

Mr Roberts, said: "The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has completed a disciplinary investigation into Iain Valentine and a full hearing has been held, the details of which are, and will remain, confidential.

"From 1 August, Iain Valentine will be working in a changed role in which he will focus on animal conservation and research.

"The board is implementing significant change across the organisation that allows staff to play to their individual strengths to deliver a strong future for the RZSS, Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park.

"While recent times have been challenging, we believe that we are in a strong position to proceed with renewed determination and confidence.

"It is in no-one's interest that we dwell on the past. Rather it is crucial that we put this behind us and move on."

Commenting on the months of upheaval triggered by anonymous allegations against Gary Wilson, the organisation's then interim chief operating officer, Mr Roberts, the former Sunderland FC chief executive who took over the running of the zoo in May, said: "Whoever's been behind this whole business has had a rather negative agenda. I'm glad it's over. The end, and over."

Mr Roberts confirmed that, despite Mr Valentine's new job title, he would remain as "part of the senior management group which manages the zoo" and would be continuing to work with the Chinese in the build-up to the giant pandas' arrival in Scotland.

Asked whether the negative publicity could have cast doubt on the RZSS's management, Mr Roberts said: "There's not been some turmoil for quite some time."However, we've had lots and lots of dealings with the Chinese who've been to see the enclosures."

Jim McLean, from Linlithgow, one of the RZSS members who demanded an emergency general meeting of the society in May which resulted in an overwhelming vote of no confidence in Mr Emslie, said: "Iain Valentine has done invaluable work for the zoo and this is a time for the zoo to have as much continuity as possible.

"The whole business has been handled very poorly and highlighted a lack of direction and leadership."

Mr Wilson returned to work in May as director of business operations after being cleared following anonymous allegations he had siphoned money from the 4.5 million Budongo Trail monkey house.

A third executive, Anthony McReavy, director of development, was dismissed.