Police Scotland May Probe St Giles Centre Debts, Council Hears

The St Giles Centre had unpaid bills. A police investigation may be needed. Council members voted to review a report privately. It covers how Moray Council dealt with the unpaid bills. The St Giles Shopping Centre in Elgin closed January 20. Businesses got little notice before closing.

Last November, the council sought £750,000 from St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd. Councillor Sandy Keith wanted a public debate, but John Mundell ordered an audit. It looked at debt recovery from St Giles Shopping Centre Ltd. The vote failed, eight to five, and report details stayed private.

Councillor Scott Lawrence wanted a private discussion, promising to share report information later. A statement gave context about the St Giles Centre closure. Communications about debt began back in 2022, and a payment plan was set with David John Cameron, a director at St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd.

The payment plan failed, so the council started trying to get the money. Debt recovery halted during redevelopment talks. Auditors said the council should have informed them sooner, allowing them to consider details. They want better record-keeping for all decisions.

Councillor Keith proposed a public report discussion, seconded by Councillor John Stuart. Councillor Macrae suggested a private debate, noting further probes might happen. Councillor Donald Gatt supported the private debate idea. Keith said public interest was high, and transparency was best in this case.

Keith felt a public discussion could be robust. Councillor Marc Macrae thinks the police might investigate. He said a public discussion might impede this. He would normally want a public report discussion, but Macrae thinks it could hurt any police probe.

Macrae said people questioned his actions as a councillor. He wants a private debate so it can be investigated elsewhere. He mentioned the police when referring to “another place,” meaning an investigation outside the council.

Macrae spoke with Alasdair McEachan, the CEO and monitoring officer. Macrae says many questions remained unanswered, and he thinks a further investigation may be needed. Macrae mentioned potential malfeasance for others to investigate. He wants to avoid hindering investigations by staying private.

Councillor Lawrence wanted a “freer discussion” privately. He said a public debate could be too cautious, as councillors would watch what they say carefully.