Embezzlement charges against former council leader dropped

Embezzlement charges against the former leader of Perth and Kinross Council have been dropped.

Grant Laing was accused of the crime over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.

A Crown Office spokesman confirmed that no proceedings would be taken against the 63-year-old.

Laing stepped down from his role as council leader and left the SNP last September after being charged and now sits as an independent councillor.

Laing was first elected to represent the Strathtay ward in 2012 and became council leader after the 2022 Scottish council elections.

Eric Drysdale was elected as Perth and Kinross Council leader following Laing's resignation.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: "After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the available admissible evidence, the procurator fiscal decided that there should be no proceedings taken at this time.

"The Crown reserves the right to proceed in the future should further evidence become available."

Laing has been approached for comment.