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Councillor resigns after search Kidnap probe as councillor quits
(about 6 hours later)
An Aberdeen councillor has resigned his post, the day after his house was searched by police. An Aberdeen councillor who has resigned his seat may have been a target for an abduction plot, BBC Scotland understands.
Councillor Raymond Hutcheon's home was searched on Monday by Grampian Police officers investigating the alleged murder of Robert Mair. Liberal Democrat Raymond Hutcheon stood down the day after the garden of his home was searched by police involved in a murder inquiry.
The Lib Dem member for Danestone tendered his resignation on Tuesday. Officers are investigating the death of Robert Mair, 57, whose body was found in his home almost two weeks ago.
The body of Mr Mair, 57, was found in his Northfield home almost two weeks ago. Councillor Hutcheon was not available for comment. Mr Hutcheon, who represented Danestone, was not available for comment.
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman confirmed: "Danestone Councillor Raymond Hutcheon has tendered his resignation with immediate effect. He had been a councillor in Aberdeen for 20 years, serving as convener of the licensing committee and sitting on the police board and the council's scrutiny and standards committee.
"This is a personal matter and, as such, the council will make no further comment." Searched garden
Mr Hutcheon is not facing any charges and has not appeared in court.
However, he resigned after police investigating a murder searched his garden and nearby woodland on the outskirts of the city.
The body of Mr Mair, a father-of-two, was discovered at his home in the Northfield area of Aberdeen.
Three people have been remanded in custody after being charged with his murder.
No plea
Stephen Rankin, 32, of Darvel, Ayrshire, made no plea when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.
On Tuesday, Jane McBurnie, 17, of Thetford, Norfolk, and Derek Carswell, 40, of Dreghorn, Ayrshire, faced allegations of murder and other offences at the same court.
They made no plea and were remanded in custody.
No details of the other offences were given.
However, BBC Scotland understands they relate to a plot to abduct and assault Mr Hutcheon.