EDINBURGH COUNCIL LEADER ARRESTED IN KERB-CRAWLING STING
A senior member of a scandal-hit council was apprehended during a police operation targeting kerb crawling activities.Alex Nicol, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Scottish Borders Council, was caught in a crackdown in a notorious red-light district.
The farmer's Mitsubishi four-wheel drive was observed circling a well-known prostitute pickup zone in Leith, Edinburgh.
The married father of three was stopped by police in Salamander Street shortly before midnight on Tuesday.
He was subsequently charged with breach of the peace and released on bail to appear in court at a later date.
Police from Lothian and Borders initiated this crackdown following complaints from local residents about street prostitution.
This arrest marks another setback for the council, which had previously faced a £4 million overspend in its education budget.
Moreover, its social work department is under investigation for its handling of a sexual abuse case.
At the time of reporting, Nicol was unavailable for comment at his farm near Kelso, where he lives with his wife Pat.
Council leader John Scott stated, "I have not spoken to him so I cannot say anything." A council spokesman indicated that no action would be taken until allegations are substantiated.
Nicol, a councillor for Kelso since 1999, chairs the lifelong learning committee.
He is also a senior figure in the Scottish National Farmers Union and represents the Scottish National Federation for Welfare of the Blind.
A police spokesperson confirmed: "A 61-year-old man was cautioned and charged.
A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal."
