KoSDT's board of directors issues statement in bid to defuse furious row over 'arrogant' email sent to volunteer group
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MOVE has been made by the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust’s board of directors to defuse a furious row it became embroiled in this week.
The board issued a statement earlier today following a backlash against an email sent by its manager David Watson.
The directors acknowledged that the email had “caused upset” and “worry” and said they were sorry this had been the case and intended to “reflect on the issue”.
The row blew up after Mr Watson publicly criticised volunteer group Kyle Action Group - Christmas Lights at a meeting of Ardgay and District Community Council for not informing the trust of a celebration they were planning to mark the 50th anniversary of the building of the Bonar bridge.
Mr Watson did not mince his words, saying the trust had been “deliberately excluded".
However, his comments – and an email he subsequently sent to the group – were met with a furious response from Kyle Action Group vice-chairman Robert Sawyer who posted Mr Watson’s email on line and said the group did not have to ask the trust if it could hold an event. The communication was described as "aggressive and disappointing".
Chairperson of the trust board is Pete Campbell and its directors are Neil Simco, Andy Wright, Kay Morrison and Silvia Muras.
The statement from the KoSDT board of directors, issued around an hour ago and posted on the trust's social media page, reads: “We are aware a letter has been circulated online outlining a complaint about the trust not being included in the communications regarding the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Bonar Bridge organised by Kyle Action Group Christmas Lights.
"We are very sorry this letter has created worry to the group's volunteers. We appreciate the hard work of every single volunteer and community group in the area and wish the event's organisers every success.
"The aim of the email was simply to improve communication between organisations; however we appreciate that it has caused some upset.
"The trust board and management will, of course reflect on the issue – like all organisations we aspire to communicate as effectively as possible.
"The board of trustees would like to also express our support to our staff in this difficult moment, who strive to serve our communities in the best possible way, undertaking useful, helpful and meaningful work within the community".
