Donald Macdonald's legal battle highlights communication breakdown with Highland Council.
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In a striking development, Donald Macdonald, the founder of Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, has publicly criticized Highland Council for its apparent neglect of his long-standing complaints regarding a flood relief scheme affecting his home in Inverness. This situation has escalated to the point where Mr.
Macdonald is considering legal action against the council, claiming that the ongoing issues have cost him nearly £150,000.
Background of the flood relief scheme
The flood relief scheme, initiated by Highland Council in 2009, was designed to mitigate water penetration near Mr.
Macdonald’s residence at Ness Side. Central to this scheme was the construction of a bund—an earth mound intended to serve as a barrier against flooding. However, Mr. Macdonald asserts that the bund is defective, leading to significant problems following recent floods. He reported that thousands of tons of stones and gravel have accumulated in an area that was once a pond, creating further complications.
Communication breakdown with council officials
Mr. Macdonald’s frustration is compounded by what he describes as a lack of communication from Highland Council. He has attempted to engage with three different chief executives, including the current chief executive, Derek Brown, but has found his efforts to be in vain. In September, the council indicated that it was looking to arrange a meeting with Mr. Macdonald to address outstanding issues, yet he claims that no contact has been made since then.
Expressing his discontent, Mr. Macdonald stated, “There is something far wrong within Highland Council, or any public institution, when the chief executive refuses to speak directly with one of the biggest employers and rate payers within his region.” He criticized the council for opting to spend public funds on legal proceedings rather than resolving the issue directly.
Allegations of a boycott and further complaints
In addition to his complaints regarding the flood scheme, Mr. Macdonald has alleged that Highland Council has effectively boycotted his business. A Freedom of Information (FoI) request revealed that the council spent £476,000 on hotel accommodations from 20, with only a minimal amount allocated to venues operated by the Macdonald Group. This has raised suspicions of bias against his business.
Moreover, Mr. Macdonald has lodged a complaint with Police Scotland concerning related matters, which is currently under assessment. He has also raised concerns about the council’s handling of a Data Subject Access Request, which allows individuals to access personal data held by organizations. This complaint has been forwarded to the Information Commissioner’s Office for further investigation.
Council’s response to the allegations
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Highland Council stated, “We do not comment on individual complaints.” They emphasized that various hotels, including those in the Macdonald chain, have been utilized for events throughout 2024, including a housing summit. The council has firmly denied any claims of a boycott, asserting that there is “absolutely no basis” for such allegations.
This ongoing dispute between Mr. Macdonald and Highland Council underscores significant concerns regarding flood management and communication between public institutions and local businesses. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate these challenges and whether a resolution can be reached without further legal entanglements.
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