Thurso council is dealing with resignations amidst accusations of bullying and discord plus election procedure.
TCC confirmed the social media post’s truth and released a statement on Thursday morning, adding a full statement would follow on Friday. Thelma Mackenzie chairs the Thurso Community Council.
The council stated some members resigned and more resignations were anticipated soon. They said commenting further was inappropriate, but Highland Council officers knew about it, and more information was promised later.
A Facebook group blamed Alexander Glasgow for discord. People contacted Mr. Glasgow to check those claims. He learned of it through social media and denied formal communication with TCC members.
Mr. Glasgow said he got a rude email from a member that mentioned Highland Council offering mediation. He feels unfairly attacked and described it as a “public crucifixion,” as people voiced concerns to him.
Mr. Glasgow thinks it’s bullying taken too far, and he hopes TCC recovers and continues working. He believes they control the narrative and act as gatekeepers to influence members, which he thinks is coordinated.
Mr. Glasgow had a heated debate at TCC last September, and a person left the meeting crying. The atmosphere felt very confrontational, though he wasn’t named in the public complaints, and he had questions about the process.
The chair once told Mr. Glasgow to be quiet, and he replied she wasn’t his boss. Members criticized his disrespectful conduct, saying his behavior was unacceptable. He thought the meeting minutes were one-sided.
Matthew Reiss said the news was disappointing, since community councils greatly aid communities. Struan Mackie is very concerned about the resignations, as functioning councils are integral to local government.
Mackie stated communities suffer without that voice. Elected members should not speculate now; the local authority must investigate the cause and learn why councillors felt unable to continue.
Highland Council said four of thirteen members resigned. The council has enough members to function at present. They explained the procedures for vacancies in councils, but operations stop if membership falls below half.
Thurso needs seven members to avoid this trigger. If that happens within six months of an election, they may continue if a minimum of four people agree, and interim elections happen in August 2025.
Mr. Glasgow hopes for new elections with the vacancies. He wants TCC to move forward so they can represent Thurso with dedication again.