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North-east businessman at centre of offensive online comments row

Eric Simpson.
Eric Simpson.

A prominent Aberdeenshire businessman and community stalwart has found himself at the centre of a major row over offensive online comments about gypsies, gay people and refugees.

Expletive-strewn posts on the Twitter account of Inverurie Community Council secretary Eric Simpson were exposed by a political blog.

Leading SNP figures demanded action by the Conservatives against Mr Simpson, who was a volunteer activist for Colin Clark’s successful bid to snatch the Gordon seat from ex-first minister Alex Salmond.

A tweet sent out by TheElginLoon59

But a Conservative party spokesman said that Mr Simpson was not a party member and had merely volunteered during the election campaign – even though he nominated Mr Clark officially.

Mr Simpson’s @elginloon59 account had been taken down yesterday and he could not be reached for comment.

But screenshots revealed some of the posts which have caused offence – most of which cannot be re-printed by the Press and Journal.

They included racist and homophobic references to a reality TV star and a prominent politician, a foul-mouthed rant about “thieving” gypsies and a four-letter tirade against refugees, who it said were “not wanted” in Scotland.

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said: “I am appalled by the offensive, racist language used on this social media account.

“Inverurie Community Council has been very involved in welcoming Syrian refugees who have moved to the north-east and his comments on this are not a reflection of the community as a whole.”

A tweet sent out by TheElginLoon59 (Eric Simpson).

Former Moray MP Angus Robertson, the SNP’s deputy leader, said he had received offensive comments from the Twitter account. He added: “Action must be taken.”

A Conservative party spokesman said: “If Angus Robertson or Gillian Martin are genuinely concerned about this Twitter activity, they should alert the police.”

Police Scotland said they had not received any formal complaints.