Michael Baird Suspended for Two Months Over Disrespectful Conduct

Sutherland councillor Michael Baird, a Liberal Democrat, has been suspended for two months after a Standards Commission panel found he breached the councillors’ code of conduct by acting disrespectfully toward the chair and committee of a local community group. The breach occurred during discussions over the transformation of Carbisdale Castle, when Baird emailed the group in September 2023, stating he would withhold support for future village hall funding if the committee did not back a land purchase. The panel also heard that Baird made repeated calls and unannounced visits to the committee chair to pressure support for the purchase. While councillors can advise on ward budget spending, the panel concluded Baird's actions could be interpreted as a threat and were deemed disrespectful. Baird has accepted responsibility for his actions and issued an unequivocal apology. The suspension is intended to reinforce standards of respectful conduct for elected officials.