Highland Council has issued an unusual public statement clarifying the position surrounding David Brown’s taxi operator’s licence following widespread public interest in the case.
The authority said it would not normally comment on individual licensing matters, particularly those considered in private, but felt it was important to address confusion surrounding the recent decision of its Licensing Committee.
The Council confirmed that Brown does not hold a taxi driver’s licence.
That licence was suspended in January 2024.
Brown is currently serving a prison sentence following his conviction in May 2026.
The Council explained that the matter considered by the Licensing Committee related solely to Brown’s taxi operator’s licence, which applies to the vehicle itself rather than permission to drive a taxi.
Officials also confirmed that a taxi operator’s licence cannot be transferred to another individual.
Following the committee’s decision, Highland Council’s Chief Officer for Legal and Corporate Governance invoked a Standing Order 16 Notice of Referral.
That move means the decision will now be considered again, this time by a future meeting of the full Highland Council.
The case has generated significant debate across the Highlands and has attracted widespread public attention.
A petition calling for the operator’s licence to be revoked has gathered more than 1,500 signatures within its first day, reflecting the level of concern among residents.
Campaigners argue that public confidence in the taxi licensing system depends on ensuring that public protection remains the overriding consideration in all licensing decisions.
Some members of the public have also questioned why Police Scotland advice recommending revocation was not followed during the original committee meeting.
Highland Council has not commented on those concerns directly, instead focusing its statement on clarifying the legal position surrounding the licence and the process now underway.
The referral means councillors from across the chamber will have an opportunity to review the committee’s decision in the coming weeks.
The outcome is likely to be closely watched, not only because of the circumstances surrounding this case, but because it raises wider questions about transparency, public confidence and how licensing decisions are reached in the Highlands.
