An Aberdeen community council at the centre of a police probe into alleged financial irregularities will distribute its funds to neighbourhood groups this month.
In August, Garthdee Community Council found itself almost £8,000 richer than it thought it had been after apparently being “repaid” funds from its former chairwoman Moira Cassie.
Mrs Cassie and her husband, city councillor Scott Cassie, remain at the centre of a police investigation into alleged irregularities.
A new bank account has been opened by the community council and later this month its members will hand over the cash to a number of community groups.
Kaimhill Tennis Courts, Kaimhill Primary School, Garthdee Church, a pensioners group and several sheltered housing complexes will be presented with cheques at an event on Tuesday, November 17.
Inchgarth Community Centre manager Paul O’Connor, a member of the community council, said about £8,500 would be distributed.
He added: “We didn’t know we had it because it should have been going out to these groups before, and then obviously we got £8,000 back – it just appeared.
“All these groups will get the money, which is nice for all these disabled people, the pensioners and kids.
“Garthdee Community Council would like to take this opportunity to build bridges and look forward to a new positive working relationship with all community groups.”
Mr and Mrs Cassie have now been questioned by detectives investigating the allegations, although they insist they have done nothing wrong.
The allegations emerged in June, less than 48 hours after Mr Cassie had been appointed deputy leader of Aberdeen City Council’s ruling Liberal Democrat group.
He has since quit the party and become an independent councillor, having expressed his dismay at group colleagues who suspended him.