A senior figure at Perth College, who was under investigation following a costly and embarrassing employment tribunal, has stepped down.
Bosses are staying tight-lipped about the sudden departure of Peter Farrow, who headed the country’s longest running aviation training service.
An internal investigation got under way at the college, which is part of the University of Highlands and Islands, after former employee Gerard McIver was awarded nearly £34,000 for unfair dismissal.
Tribunal judge Ian McFatridge found that it was likely a “degree of corruption” among top-level staff had taken place.
Mr McIver was part of the team at Air Service Training (AST) — run by the university — but was dismissed after he and his colleagues attempted a buy-out of its struggling operation.
Principal Margaret Munckton and vice-principal Susan Bald have since stood down.
Now Peter Farrow, chief executive of AST, has also left the college — at least for the time-being.
An e-mail was sent to staff by principal Margaret Cook stating: “Colleagues, I just wanted to advise you that Peter Farrow will not be in college for the foreseeable future.”
The college has refused to elaborate.
The Courier understands that Mr Farrow was at the centre of a fresh inquiry into wider grievances raised by Mr McIver.
Interviews with Mr Farrow and four other air service staff were carried out in January. The outcome of the inquiry has not been revealed.
Mr Farrow, who helped the service score a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2015, could not be reached for comment.
In his judgement, Mr McFatridge said that accusations of gross misconduct made against Mr McIver were clearly baseless and the management team knew they had no grounds for dismissal.
He was highly critical of the evidence offered by Ms Munckton, Ms Bald and Mr Farrow, describing them as “evasive” and questioning their honesty.
Grant Myles, chairman of the college’s board of management, called a wide-ranging review of policy and practices following the tribunal verdict.
The purpose of the review has been to establish whether AST/Perth College procedures were “appropriately applied” and followed by individuals involved in the case.
The college’s aviation service, which dates back to 1931, is described as a “world leader” in the sector and is believe to be the oldest institution of its kind.
