Councillor suspended for second time this year

Michael Baird failed to declare an interest at a committee meeting

A Highland councillor has been suspended for two months after breaching the councillors' code of conduct for a second time this year.

The Standards Commission found Michael Baird failed to declare a "non-financial interest" at a meeting of the Sutherland county committee on 23 January 2024.

The councillor took part in a discussion about a grant application for council funds, despite having a "friendship and a client/legal representative relationship" with the applicant.

The Liberal Democrat councillor, who represents the north, west and central Sutherland ward, has declined to comment.

The grant application was made by a community interest company for funds from the Highland Council's community regeneration fund.

The Standards Commission found Mr Baird took part in the decision-making despite him having written a letter supporting the development of the company director's property.

The letter was included in the papers submitted in support of the application.

The watchdog acknowledged that the councillor "did not vote in favour of the application at the meeting".

It also found there was "no evidence of any benefit to the community interest company or its director" from Mr Baird's failure to declare an interest.

However, the Standards Commission concluded that he should have declared an interest and withdrawn from the discussion.

The councillor has been suspended from attending full council meetings for two months.

The hearing panel highlighted his cooperation with the investigative process, and noted his commitment to his constituency.

Mr Baird was suspended for a separate breach of the code of conduct earlier this year.

In April, the Standards Commission found that he was "disrespectful" towards the chair and committee of a local community group over plans to transform Carbisdale Castle near Ardgay.

On that occasion, Mr Baird apologised "unequivocally".