Controversial comments on a project to tell the story of an unsung Angus son in print have prompted an angry backlash against the leader of Angus Council.
SNP administration leader Iain Gaul’s description of the William Lamb biography as “an ego project” was labelled “rude” by the chairman of the group which exists to promote the talents of the Montrose-born sculptor.
There is also a firm pledge by those behind the scheme that the launch of the work will go ahead as planned later this year.
Councillors this week voted to reject a £5,000 community grant bid from Montrose Heritage Society and the Friends of William Lamb, criticising the business case of the project.
The most stinging criticism of the application came from Mr Gaul, who said the idea was a “white elephant”.
His comments have drawn an immediate response from Heritage Society chairman Dr Andrew Orr and counterpart Kitty Ritchie of the Friends group.
“I’m bitterly disappointed and absolutely astounded at this decision,” Dr Orr said.
“The sole theme of this is to project the cultural theme of Angus and the asset it has in William Lamb.
“The Heritage Society and Friends have put £8,000 of their own money into this but, apart from that, they have put a huge amount of work into getting a publishing deal, not to mention the research which has gone into this book.
“It is going to be an absolutely first-class book of an international art history standard and it will be launched. We will find the money from other means.”
Critics of the grant bid said they thought the business case was flawed after indications the book would make a £15,000-plus loss but Friends chairwoman Mrs Ritchie accused the council leader of missing the point of the project.
“I think that Mr Gaul’s comments show a lack of understanding and they are extremely rude,” she said. “Dr Andrew Orr has worked extremely hard to get the book to this stage and it certainly hasn’t been an ego trip on anyone’s behalf.
“The William Lamb Studio is owned by Angus Council through the common good fund and it is their responsibility. I hope Mr Gaul appreciates that the Friends volunteer to keep the studio open, raise funds for it and promote it.
“I’m not sure if Mr Gaul has been into the studio but I would certainly encourage him to visit it.
“We had a letter from the council chief executive and provost saying they would attend the launch, so the council is happy to do that but not happy to put money to it.”