This is reading like a playground "tit-for-tat" exchange. Very embarrassing.

Bill S you should not be embarrassed rather celebrate! Celebrate the possibility of evolution...an archaic dinosaur evolving to become a dynamic chrysalis of positive purpose and meaning. Naturally such evolution involves the shredding of many layers and robes of office. So be it.

I suspect 'tit for tat exchange' may be the impression some get when reading this article, when the truth is much more sinister. A New Chapter have carried out an enormous amount of work, with incredible integrity, to bring into the open the many surrounding the governance of the RIAS. This is being done purely with a view to reforming the RIAS so it better meets the needs both of the architecture profession and clients in Scotland.

It sure ain't a playground squabble over nothing and without reform the RIAS is likely to disappear down its own manhole.

# While I don't mean to demean the work of A New Chapter, the person who deserves most credit for uncovering the apparent jiggerypokery at the RIAS is Kerr Roberston, now named by the RIAS. Helped by the RIAS stupidity and mishandling of the whole situation. If things change for the better, it will be due unequivocally to his work as a trustee and his incredible integrity, not A New Chapter's.

Kerr Robertson has played an instrumental role in uncovering what appears to be shocking malpractice at the RIAS. Its fair to say that a very necessary debate around the future of the RIAS wouldn't have happened if he hadn't stuck his head above the parapet. He should be thanked, instead he is being portrayed as a trouble maker by RIAS management.

A New Chapter are also making a valuable contribution in articulating and promoting a vision of how a future reformed RIAS could better serve the architectural profession and wider society.

Everything that #4 and #5 said.

This is a copy of an email written by the RIAS President and read out at Shetland Architectural Society. Containing comments absolutely unbecoming of the President of the RIAS and in my view to put pressure on Kerr Roberston. Including " doing the bidding of a Council member who hides behind their anonymity" and this beauty "caused considerable staff difficulties and stress. Two are receiving counselling"


Neil

"I understand that you have a Chapter meeting on Tuesday. I would have liked to come and update your team on what has been happening. I know you and Catriona can do so but a few thoughts might be helpful.

I have been accused of gagging Council and not responding to the self styled New Chapter. I have in fact offered to meet them but they only respond to my offer with demands which we know I can not meet for legal reasons.

The setting up of the new committee to take forward the overdue governance, the new Finance and Audit committee ( members needed, any volunteers from IAA?) will help take matters forward. The question and answer paper which should be out in the next few days, the membership survey will all help to open up genuine member lead debate. I am not willing to debate in the press with a group of people who are doing the bidding of a Council member who hides behind their anonymity .

The letter from OSCR is very welcome as it will close out this issue raised by Kerr Robertson when he thought he was not going to get his way in Council. We will answer the letter in full. It is not " an investigation of the RIAS" it is a standard OSCR response to a complaint and we welcome the chance to close this issue out. Tuscan Connell the legal experts in Scotland on charity issues are helping with this.

Kerr has also chosen to report the Incorporation to the Police. He has reported me to ARB, they have confirmed his complaint is groundless.

The Governance Group can now take a back seat and allow Karen Anderson to take things forward. The Group have endeavoured to deal with the issues we found as fairly and independently as possible. The fact that we did not respond and react to accusations without proof has taken time and caused considerable staff difficulties and stress. Two are receiving counselling but we hope with the issues surrounding Neil behind us we can rebuild their previous enthusiasm for the RIAS.

I look forward to the full involvement of the IAA with Karen's committee and your comprehensive response to the survey when it comes out.

Sorry I can not be in Inverness for your meeting but I would be happy to come up for a special meeting, perhaps with Karen Anderson and Karen Stevenson. Let me know what you think."

Best

Stewart

Stewart Henderson PRIAS