Moray Conservatives condemned over ‘deeply embarrassing’ library closure u-turn debacle
Condemnation has rung out after confusion hit the fate of a number of closure-threatened libraries in Moray.
Monday, December 9 saw a press release from the ruling Conservative group on the local authority spark joy among community groups trying to save a total of seven libraries - including Cullen - with the news that the proposals “will no longer be taken forward” after “overwhelming opposition” from the public.
The release went on to quote council leader Councillor Kathleen Robertson, deputy leader Councillor Donald Gatt and Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross, saying plans to axe the libraries were “no longer on the table”.
However, campaigners relief and joy was to be short-lived as a subsequent Tory press release plunged the matter into chaos and despair, stating that the proposals have not be axed - but rather the Moray Conservatives will not be supporting them. No formal decision - set to be made in the new year - has yet been made by councillors.
A spokesperson for the Moray Conservatives said: "We apologise for any confusion that has been created by the earlier release that was put out.
"It was certainly not intentional to give any false impression that a final decision had been made in relation to any potential closure of libraries in Moray.”
The dramatic u-turn on the future of the proposals was slammed by Buckie councillor Sonya Warren, who is also the deputy leader of the opposition SNP group on the council.
She said: “The people of Moray deserve better than this.
“The Tory administration asked the officers to do the consultation on a proposal the Tories thought they could push through.
“The council has a due process for making these decisions, this just was not followed. I've yet to see the results from the consultation. I've yet to see the report regarding the proposals. I've yet to be invited to a committee meeting to discuss these proposals, yet alone vote on the proposals.
“I'm very concerned that this decision did not follow due process. It is totally unbelievable that this has happened and cause so much confusion to the community as well as non administration councillors.”
She was joined in her condemnation of the chaos by Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam.
Prior to the initial news that the closure plans had been scrapped, Ms Adam had attended a public meeting in Cullen on the future of the town’s library, the retention of which was fiercely supported by the local community.
Blasting the debacle as “deeply embarrassing”, Ms Adam continued: “The way in which the Tory administration of Moray Council has conducted itself over these library closures is incredibly chaotic and deeply embarrassing.
“Their announcement of a u-turn on the proposed closures on Monday brought a great sigh of relief to those local communities with whom I have had the pleasure of working.
“To u-turn on their u-turn mere moments later is at best unprofessional and at worst cruel. It was a pleasure to work with Cullen and Deskford Community Council on their public meeting [on Friday, December 6]. Moray Council’s consultation on potentially closing libraries, including Cullen library, sparked deep concern in the community and rightly so.
“This library is more than just a building, it’s a lifeline for many. As the local constituency MSP, I’m here to help amplify the voices of communities across Banffshire and Buchan Coast. While we all recognise the fiscal pressures facing governments at every level, it’s essential to view public services like our libraries in terms of the broader benefits they bring.
“Libraries are not just about books - they’re about wellbeing, education, connectivity, and community. They are preventative services that save money in the long run by reducing social isolation and supporting vulnerable groups.
“The turnout at Friday’s meeting was inspiring - every attendee was a woman, which highlights an important equality aspect to this issue. Libraries are often safe and accessible spaces for women, children, and families, and this must be a key consideration in any decision-making.
“The Scottish Government has committed an extra £1 billion in funding for local councils in the next financial year. With that in mind, local authorities must prioritise services like libraries, which act as warm spaces, community hubs, educational resources and wifi access points for those who need them most. Moray Council has a duty to not only preserve these essential services but also to fulfil their public sector equality obligations.”
