Dundee City Council has withdrawn its appeal against the employment tribunal judgment which ruled that former deputy head teacher Linda Ross was unfairly dismissed.
The appeal hearing was due to start today, but last night the council confirmed the parties had settled out of court. The size of the settlement was not disclosed.
Mrs Ross’s solicitor John Muir, of Dundee firm Muir Myles Laverty, said: “My clients are delighted that this matter has concluded, but don’t want to say any more.”
A spokesman for the city council said: “The case has settled out of court and the council will not be making any further comment.”
It brings to an end the six-year saga, which it is estimated has cost taxpayers a six-figure sum.
Opponents of the city council’s decision last night said the appeal had been a “waste of taxpayers’ money” and described the entire Linda Ross affair a “sorry saga”.
Meanwhile, campaign group Taxpayer Scotland said it was “unacceptable” the council had dragged out the case to the last minute in an effort to save face.
The long-running affair began in 2007 when Mrs Ross’ husband, Victor, raised anxieties with The Courier over disturbances at Sidlaw View Primary School.
Mrs Ross was suspended. Following an investigation she was reinstated but moved to Longhaugh Primary.
She was then dismissed over claims, never proven, that she had assaulted a pupil.
An employment tribunal decided in 2011 that Mrs Ross had been wrongfully dismissed. The council announced it was to appeal the decision, a process that would have cost the local authority an estimated £25,000 had it gone through the three-day hearing.
For a full report, see Wednesday’s Courier or try our new digital edition.