MERKINCH Community Council has resolved that there will be no more unruly behaviour at their meetings.
The decision to rein in members who use intemperate language was taken at their October meeting following outbursts by member Donnie Kerr levelling highly personal criticism of local councillors over the Capel Inch planning discussion the previous month.

Minutes secretary Alex Macleod raised the matter over the “outrageous behaviour” which he said had caused adverse publicity for the community council and brought it into disrepute. Councillor Chrissie Cummings, in particular, had taken serious offence at remarks addressed to her.
Mr Macleod asked that members adhere to their Standing Order No.5 which says that members, even if they are engaging in strong debate, should not interrupt another or use abusive language or refuse to obey the chairman. Mr Kerr asked that the matter be deferred as it was not on the agenda, although it had been raised under any other notifiable business. He lost by 8 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions. Members once again agreed to endorse their support for Councillors Cumming and Peter Corbett and determined to allow no further breaches of Standing Order No.5, which gives the chairman authority to expel a member until an apology is made, or prevent a member from leaving without the chairman’s permission.