Alex Salmond attacks way Labour runs Aberdeen City Council

Mr Salmond said Aberdeen's reputation was in danger

First Minister Alex Salmond has launched a strongly-worded attack on the way Aberdeen City Council is run.

In a letter to chief executive Valerie Watts, Mr Salmond claimed the majority Labour party was in danger of bringing the authority into disrepute.

He also suggested members of the party seemed intent on inflicting reputational and economic damage on the city.

Council leader Barney Crockett said he was shocked by Mr Salmond's comments.

He told BBC Scotland he would not be "bullied" by the first minister.

'Extreme manner'

Mr Salmond said in his letter: "I have been first minister for over six years. During that time I have dealt with all 32 local authorities, of all political persuasions and none.

"No other council behaves in the extreme manner of Aberdeen City Council over a range of issues.

"I would suggest that the majority group are now in danger of bringing the council into total disrepute with the knock on reputational risks that that has for the great city of Aberdeen and its fine people."

Mr Crockett said Mr Salmond attacked people he saw as "weaker than himself".

He said: "I will stand up and fight for the city, and I won't be bullied by the bluster."

Mr Crockett said it was "not satisfactory" that there was a "bad relationship", and said it was something he was committed to improving.