Described as his “rock” Susan Melville has remained by her husband’s side for better or for worse.
But what few may know is that since their move to Dubai, the once glamorous brunette has done more than just lend her husband a shoulder to cry on.
After the family flitter their life to the other side of the world to start afresh they decided that any business venture they would embark upon over there should be headed up, on paper at least, by Susan.
This way she could overshadow her husband’s reputation for bad bookkeeping.
However, the impact of establishing a business in the UAE in her name took its toll when bounced cheques, signed by the mum-of-three, ended up with her being arrested.
The act, which is a criminal offence in Dubai, also had her passport held until her debts were paid.
As things started to crumble around her Mrs Melville had to start selling her Louboutins and fur coats to pay off her husband’s debts.
And when there were still more outstanding debts she turned to flogging her Tefal steam iron and a water cooler online.
After the family returned home to the UK the P&J travelled to Largs where we believed Mr Melville was staying.
Instead we were met by Mrs Melville who answered the door with her hair scrapped back into a tight bun and with not one stitch of makeup on. She was dressed in a large baggy jumper and tracksuit bottoms and spoke quietly. She was pleasant when we told her who we were and said her husband was now staying “somewhere up north”.
But you could tell by looking at her that she had been suffering from some degree of stress.
Speaking to the Press and Journal Mr Melville said putting his wife’s name on the business she had no part in running was his biggest regret.
He said: “If we were to do it all over again I would make sure she had no part to play in it.”
Mr Melville admitted it felt “horrendous” when Mrs Melville was arrested over bounced or “dishonoured” cheques.
He said: “It made Susan unwell because of all the stress of it.”
Mr Melville also said his wife had sold expensive Hermes brand handbags and jewellery in an effort to pay clients and staff in UAE.
He also claims he and his family have been the subject of harassment by former employees and his e-mails have been hacked.
Yet the former Grampian Industrialist of the Year insists he and his wife will be returning to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) region to restart Oilfield Integrity Management (OIM) Group.
But this time he would be the director, despite still being bankrupt in the UK owing more than £400,000.
“I would not set it up in her name again,” he said.
“It will be me (as a director) when I return to Dubai.”
Mrs Melville returned to Scotland a few weeks before her husband last year.
Mr Melville said they are currently awaiting the settlement of outstanding legal issues over bounced cheques in Dubai before she returns.
Mrs Melville declined to speak to the Press and Journal when contacted after her husband was interviewed.
