Ex-prisons chief sues executive

Mr Fairweather opposed closing Peterhead Prison

Scotland's former chief inspector of prisons is suing the Scottish Executive for unfair dismissal.

Clive Fairweather was replaced by former church leader Andrew McLellan in October after he unsuccessfully reapplied for a fourth term in the post.

The 54-year-old former Special Air Service officer said he had lodged the claim reluctantly.

Mr Fairweather was appointed in 1994

Mr Fairweather was appointed to the £50,000-a-year post in 1994 and his contract was extended twice.

Last January he was told by the Scottish Executive that his contract would not be renewed a third time.

He applied for his old job but lost out to Dr McLellan, who was Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2000/2001.

Mr Fairweather won praise from prison heads, unions and politicians.

During his term he frequently hit the headlines because of his views on slopping out, overcrowding and drug taking in Scottish jails.

Industrial tribunal

He also criticised plans to shut Peterhead Prison, which was eventually saved from closure after fierce opposition to the proposals.

Confirming that he was suing the executive, Mr Fairweather said: "I have reluctantly taken this course of action but I do not wish to comment on the matter any further at this stage."

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive said: "As this matter may now be considered by an industrial tribunal it would be inappropriate to comment."