SNP councillor suspended by party over cannabis farm charge

A councillor in the Scottish Borders says she has been suspended from the SNP after being charged in connection with drugs offences.

Former SNP councillor Aileen Orr said she was arrested in February 2024.

A cannabis farm was discovered by police after they were called to a remote property near Paxton just after midnight on February 3, 2024, to a report of men banging on a window.

Following a search, the cultivation was discovered.

Orr, 71, and her 29-year-old son Duncan were arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences.

Orr “vehemently” denies the charges.

“I have never, nor would ever, knowingly allow a cannabis cultivation on any property I own,” she said.

“I had no access to the property at the time of this cannabis find and will allow due process by the authorities to establish this and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

A spokesperson for the SNP said Orr “has left the SNP while the investigation continues”.

orr said she was disappointed by the suspension which followed media coverage of her arrest.

“I have been a loyal SNP member for over 55 years,” she said.

“I followed all internal party processes and the leadership of the SNP council group at SBC (Scottish Borders Council) were fully aware of events.”

However, Orr has remained in her role as councillor for East Berwickshire and will represent the area as an independent.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At 12.34am on Saturday, February 3, 2024, officers were called to a report of men banging on a window at a remote property near Paxton.

“The reporter remained on the phone with the control room until officers arrived 19 minutes later.

“There was no trace of anyone in the surrounding area.”