Secretary of troubled community council in the Highlands resigns
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The secretary of a troubled Nairn community council has resigned from his post.
But Simon Noble has pledged to remain a member of the group.
He announced his resignation from the office-bearer’s role on Nairn River Community Council following the news – covered by the Inverness Courier – that two other members, Steven Bain and Katrina Woods, had quit.
Community councillors have been split between supporters of chairman Hamish Bain and six other members, including Mr Noble, who claim their views are not being listened to.
At a meeting in February to elect office bearers, the group was divided and a pack of cards was cut to determine who would hold office.
Hamish Bain won the cut of cards to continue as chairman, after being in the role on an interim basis after the previous chairman Tommy Hogg resigned.
Since then divisions have continued, with Steven Bain resigning, claiming the chairman had sent him a voicemail accusing him of lying on social media, an accusation he flatly refuted.
Mr Noble said: "The final straw for me was Steven’s resignation and the way he described the chairman’s behaviour."
He said he stood for election because he wanted to make a positive contribution and he would continue as a member.
Hamish Bain has been strongly defended by his supporters on the community council.
Earlier this month, former secretary Mandy Lawson issued a lengthy statement on behalf of five members supporting him.
It accused opponents of spreading "false narratives", adding: "He is a decent, honest person and a well-liked, conscientious local community councillor."
Related story: Chairman survives but rift intensifies
