Audit Scotland - Has Scotland's Watchdog Finally Woken Up?


I wrote to Audit Scotland back in December 2024 with what I thought was some useful information about the 'fat cat' probe in Glasgow City Council.

The Herald reports that Audit Scotland are now launching their own investigation into this scandal which is good to hear, but I also find the news surprising - because they 'blew me off' at the time! 

Has Scotland's public spending watchdog finally woken up?

Here's my letter to Audit Scotland - their response will follow.



December 16 2024

Dear Stephen Boyle

Glasgow City Council - 'Fat Cat' Probe

am sure you are aware of the independent investigation announced by Glasgow City Council (GCC) after its outgoing Chief Executive (Annemarie O'Donnell) was awarded a 'golden goodbye' worth £357,000 which meant she could retire early without the need to accept a reduction in her pension benefits.

In effect the SNP led City Council used public funds to make a gift of £357,000 to its highest paid official which to my mind is a scandalous use of council taxpayers' money. 

I raised the matter of 'golden goodbyes' with Glasgow City Council and Audit Scotland in 2018 when GCC's official accounts showed that the Council had approved a payment of £120,079 to its outgoing Finance Director (Lynn Brown) in order for her retire early, again without the need to accept a reduction in her pension benefits    

The Council claimed that this extraordinary payment was approved by the Chief Executive at the time (Annemarie O'Donnell) under a recognised Scheme of Delegation and that AO'D's decision had political approval from a prior referral to the Council's Executive Committee in 2015.

In 2024 Annemarie O'Donnell appears to have benefited from a similar process except to a much greater extent given the eye-watering £357,000 sum involved. 

I have asked GCC to explain who took this decision as it would normally require the same kind of political approval referred to by the Council in connection with Lynn Brown's departure in 2017/18, ie approval from a body like the Council's Executive Committee.

Glasgow City Council has 28 days to respond to my freedom of information (FoI) request which was submitted on 04 December 2024.

I enclose my previous correspondence with Glasgow City Council and Audit Scotland from 2018 for your information and future reference. 

I would be grateful if Audit Scotland can look into what is now a matter of considerable public interest and look forward to your reply.

Kind regards



Mark Irvine

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