Rangers Big Tax Case verdict: Sir David Murray releases statement

Former Rangers chairman Sir David Murray has expressed his disappointment with the final verdict in the Big Tax Case.

The former Rangers chairman expressed his disappointment. Picture: Neil Hanna

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The Supreme Court today rejected an appeal by oldco Rangers liquidators BDO against the ruling in the Court of Session, which had found in favour of HMRC.

In a statement issued to the Press Association, Sir David said: “I am hugely disappointed that the Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the Court of Session, reversing the decisions of the specialist tax First Tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal in this matter.

“The decision runs counter to the legal advice which was consistently provided to Rangers Football Club, that on the basis of the law and legal precedent at the time, the contributions made to the trust were not earnings and should not be taxed as such.

“It should be emphasised that there have been no allegations made by HMRC or any of the courts that the club was involved in tax evasion, which is a criminal offence.

“The decision will be greeted with dismay by the ordinary creditors of the club, many of which are small businesses, who will now receive a much lower distribution in the liquidation of the club, which occurred during the ownership of Craig Whyte, than may otherwise have been the case.

“I have not had the opportunity to discuss the decision in detail with Tax Counsel, but will do so, particularly in light of proposed legislation, which will alter the tax position applying to loans made by trusts to employees. Once the impact has been assessed, a further statement will be issued.”