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Enterprise chief in funding row Enterprise chief in funding row
(2 days later)
The chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise has been asked to clarify why the public body has awarded lucrative contracts to a firm he runs.The chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise has been asked to clarify why the public body has awarded lucrative contracts to a firm he runs.
HIE hired consultancy firm Rocket Science, which is also chaired by Willie Roe, on 15 separate occasions and paid them more than £100,000. HIE hired consultancy firm Rocket Science, which is also chaired by Willie Roe, on 15 separate occasions and paid them more than £100,000.
Conservative Mary Scanlon said Mr Roe should make it clear the tendering process was "totally above board".Conservative Mary Scanlon said Mr Roe should make it clear the tendering process was "totally above board".
HIE said all contracts to the company followed proper procurement procedures.HIE said all contracts to the company followed proper procurement procedures.
Ms Scanlon, a Highlands MSP, said: "These are seriously lucrative contracts.Ms Scanlon, a Highlands MSP, said: "These are seriously lucrative contracts.
"Given his position in of economic development and skills development in the Highlands I think we should call on Willy Roe to come forward and make a statement within the next day or two in order to assure everyone that the tendering processes for these contracts were open, honest, totally accountable and above board.""Given his position in of economic development and skills development in the Highlands I think we should call on Willy Roe to come forward and make a statement within the next day or two in order to assure everyone that the tendering processes for these contracts were open, honest, totally accountable and above board."
Mr Roe founded Edinburgh-based Rocket Science in 2001.Mr Roe founded Edinburgh-based Rocket Science in 2001.
Its clients include the Scottish Government, Big Lottery Fund, Glasgow City Council, London Development Agency and Newcastle City Council.Its clients include the Scottish Government, Big Lottery Fund, Glasgow City Council, London Development Agency and Newcastle City Council.
HIE said strict conflict of interest procedures were enforced and all contracts to the company followed standard procurement procedures.HIE said strict conflict of interest procedures were enforced and all contracts to the company followed standard procurement procedures.
The contracts between Rocket Science and HIE were reported in the Sunday Herald.The contracts between Rocket Science and HIE were reported in the Sunday Herald.