Scotland’s spending watchdog has concluded that no further action is needed over the city council “wallgate” scandal.
Last year almost £200,000 of public money was spent on repairs to a wall and cycle path near the home of the local authority’s then-finance chief, without the decision ever being scrutinised by a committee.
Political opponents had alleged that Willie Young was the owner of the land at Wellington Brae, but it later transpired that he had disposed of it more than two decades previously and he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
The fiasco was then referred to Audit Scotland, which has now confirmed that the council’s work to address the issues arising from it has been sufficient and that no further audit work is required.
Last night Mr Young said: “I am not surprised that Audit Scotland is taking no further action around Wellington Brae because there was never any case to answer.
“The SNP referral was political mischief to put doubt into the voters’ mind before a council election.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “We note Audit Scotland’s consideration of the council’s review into the Wellington Brae cycleway project and the finding that no further investigation is required.”
