Aberdeen City Council has denied claims they organised tarot card readings sessions for staff members.
It was revealed yesterday that two sessions, named Are You Seeking The Future? were included in an internal conference line-up.
The classes were being run in the Marischal College HQ yesterday and today and are designed to help staff provide better services.
The courses were branded “bizarre” by SNP councillor Stephen Flynn, who also claimed they were a “stunning waste of money”.
He added: “I’m astounded anyone thinks tarot cards are suitable or appropriate.”
There were also calls from MSPs for the cost of the courses to be revealed to taxpayers.
A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council said the courses were part of a wider commitment to professional development and training within the local authority.
He added: “One of the sessions being delivered by a member of staff from our customer service department was promoted in the programme with reference to tarot readings.
“The session was designed to use traditional tarot cards as a prop to highlight the need for council employees to view services from the perspective of customers.
“It was a serious and important message delivered in an imaginative way, underpinned by the aim of improving our service to customers.”
The council’s finance convener Willie Young added: “This was brought together by staff, for staff.
“It is rather disingenuous of Stephen Flynn to say it’s a complete waste of money.
“He knows as I know that only a short while ago when the SNP were the administration, Audit Scotland came in and said the SNP were not up to running the council.
“That very much affected staff morale and we are trying to build up morale again.
“That’s why we are doing the corporate governance seminars and conferences.”