An Aberdeen businessman and Labour party donor has dropped a civil suit against a former SNP city council leader after receiving an “unreserved” apology.
Alan Massie launched legal action to sue Callum McCaig over a press statement and online article entitled ‘Labour’s conflict of interest with property company director’, which appeared in December 2012.
Mr Massie, who was seeking £20,000 in damages from Mr McCaig and a further £20,000 from the SNP, yesterday confirmed that proceedings at the Court of Session will go no further.
In a letter, Kincorth and Loirston ward member Mr McCaig said that he had not intended to cause “offence” or any “damage” to the reputation of Mr Massie, who is a director of property firm Carlton Rock.
His letter also stated that the SNP party itself had “no knowledge of or involvement in” the issuing or reporting of the press release.
The piece concerned an £11,500 donation made by Mr Massie to the Gordon constituency Labour party and suggested the funding could influence votes of Labour councillors on planning matters.
Mr Massie argued that the content of the article was defamatory towards him and contained “innuendo” that his contributions to the party were made to curry favour with local politicians.
The developer successfully sought a gagging order at the time to prevent Mr McCaig from making any more public comments about his donations to Labour.
Yesterday, Mr Massie said: “I am delighted that Callum McCaig has issued me with a full public apology and this apology reinstates why the court action was required against the SNP article in the first place, his remarks of malice and the downright misleading article about myself which was personally a slur on my character and my reputation.
“A full unreserved apology has been received, it’s interesting that the second defender (SNP) played no part in the article, and I note and accept the apology.”
Mr Massie said he hoped that there would be “mutual respect” between himself and Mr McCaig in the future.
He added: “I was always brought up to respect people and gain respect and you will receive same back.”
Mr McCaig said: “I am pleased that Mr Massie has given up this case.
“The press release that I issued was an important matter of public interest and as the Inner House recognised the interim interdict granted at the outset was not necessary.”