Calls have been made for Nicola Sturgeon to condemn a red-faced Scots councillor who described community leaders as 'the bores of Scotland' in an embarrassing gaffe.
Alex Nicoll, who is the SNP group leader on Aberdeen City Counci l and married to SNP MP Audrey, was taking part in a virtual community planning meeting last Wednesday, which included police, University, charity and NHS representatives.
But in an unguarded moment, the senior politician left his microphone on as Labour council leader Jenny Laing handed over to chief executive Angela Scott.
In what appears to be a conversation with someone else off-camera, Nicoll can be heard saying: "She's sitting there wagging her... I'm listening to the folk who could bore for Scotland..."
Councillor Laing interrupts him telling him he was un-muted and that all could be heard by the more than a dozen people attending.
But he is then muted by another member of the meeting after he doesn't seem to hear the comment.
Now councillor Laing has reported him to standards watchdogs, accusing the member of 'simply unacceptable' behaviour at the meeting.
Those in attendance were discussing which direction Aberdeen should move in amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Laing said: "Everyday the First Minister receives independent advice from officials around important community matters regarding Covid-19 and not once has she said it would 'bore for Scotland'.
"Therefore it is extremely disappointing that Councillor Nicoll was so disparaging towards his fellow members of the Community Planning Aberdeen Board and their advice that was being given.
"Suggesting that on the hugely important community planning matters being discussed they could “Bore for Scotland” is simply unacceptable from a political leader.”
Councillor Laing added: "I suspect this matter may be referred to the Standards Commission as Councillor Nicoll's actions were hugely disrespectful and ill-mannered given the importance of the matters being discussed at the Community Planning Board meeting.
"It is obvious that Councillor Nicoll has no time for the community and given his contempt towards the CPA Board he really should consider his position as Leader of the SNP in Aberdeen.
"Nicola Sturgeon must condemn the remarks of councillor Nicoll and stand up for public officials who give independent advice without being accused of being boring."
Councillor Nicoll said: "“As the video clearly shows, my dog walker entered as Councillor Laing was speaking and I’m sure most of Aberdeen will forgive me for feeling slightly fed up at once again having to listen to her pontificate.
“Having spent 22 years on the policing frontline it is absurd to suggest that I would knowingly seek to be disrespectful to members from outside bodies – and if any were offended by my flippant remark about Councillor Laing then I would apologise.
“Of course, if I’ve offended Cllr Laing by inferring that she can bore for Scotland then I would apologise on that front too – knowing her political views she would likely much prefer to bore for Britain.”
The SNP has been contacted for comment.
