Former Highland councillor Allan Duffy has submitted a detailed Freedom of Information request to Highland Council seeking to establish what recorded information, if any, it holds relating to Councillor Duncan MacPherson.
The request, dated 4 September 2026, asks specifically about any complaints, reports or allegations concerning sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or other allegedly sexually inappropriate behaviour during MacPherson’s service as an elected councillor.
Duffy, a former Highland councillor, addressed the request to Highland Council Chief Executive Derek Brown under the Freedom of Information Scotland Act 2002.
The request asks the council to state the number of any complaints, reports or allegations received or formally recorded involving female council employees.
Where any such information is held and can lawfully be disclosed, Duffy has asked for details including the year in which the matter was received, whether it was formally or informally investigated, whether it was referred to another person, body or authority and whether it resulted in any standards, conduct, disciplinary or other formal process.
He has also asked for the broad outcome or current status of any such matter and whether the council holds formal records documenting its handling or outcome.
The request extends to whether Highland Council holds any record of a complaint, report or allegation within those categories concerning an alleged incident said to have occurred at, or in connection with, council premises.
It also specifically asks about facilities operated or managed by High Life Highland, establishments operated on behalf of or in partnership with Highland Council and other premises associated with the council where any alleged incident was recorded as having occurred in connection with MacPherson’s role or council related activities.
Duffy has made clear that he is not seeking the precise location where disclosure could reasonably identify a complainant, witness or other private individual.
He is also not requesting the names, addresses, contact details or identifying information of any female council employee who may have made a complaint or report, or the identities of witnesses or other individuals providing personal information.
Significantly, the FOI request itself contains an explicit warning against drawing conclusions from the questions being asked.
Nothing in this request should be taken as asserting or suggesting that Councillor Duncan MacPherson has been the subject of any such complaint or allegation, that any alleged incident occurred at any Council or High Life Highland establishment, or that any allegation, if one exists, was substantiated or upheld.
The purpose of this request is solely to establish what recorded information, if any, is held by the Council.
Where Highland Council decides information cannot be disclosed, or considers that it is not obliged to confirm or deny whether particular information exists, Duffy has asked it to identify the relevant provisions of freedom of information legislation and explain its reasoning.
The request was copied to Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner, Convener Bill Lobban and Opposition Leader Alasdair Christie.
Highland Council will now consider the request and determine what information, if any, it is legally able or required to disclose.
The Highland Times is publishing Allan Duffy’s Freedom of Information request in full below so readers can see precisely what information has been requested and the qualifications he has placed upon it.
