FORMER convener of the Crofting Commission Colin Kennedy has called for a recount of the votes cast at last Friday’s crofter elections in Stornoway, in which he lost his seat by just two votes.

Mr Kennedy claimed the election was riddled with 'skullduggery': “That is the word I would use,” he told The Scottish Farmer. "I was concerned that the outcome may have been rigged, hence the reason why myself and my agent Hugh MacLean attended the count."

Mr Kennedy reported that at a briefing by the returning officer prior to the count, it was made clear that any Southwest Highlands area paper improperly marked with both an X and any of the five numbers on the ballot would be rejected.

But in practice, Mr Kennedy alleges that the only improperly marked papers rejected were the ones where he was the preferred choice.

"Papers for my area with both an X and a number were rejected when in my favour but accepted for other candidates," he insisted. "I told the returning officer that this was unfair but he did nothing about it.

“I voiced my concerns that interference may have been possible and I requested to see the franking on the envelopes prior to being opened. It was clear a number had not been franked by the Post Office only to be told they had been delivered by hand to Stornoway. So some people took a boat or a plane to Stornoway to deliver a postal ballot paper? I don’t think so.

“I also have evidence that a number of my supporters did not receive their voting paper until the eve of the election," said Mr Kennedy. "Again, my area was the only area where this happened. During my convenership I was at the centre of the row over common grazing land which has split the commission and I’m convinced the election gave the Scottish Government the chance to get their revenge and get me out.”

He added: “I lost the vote to Billy Neilson by 201 votes to 199. I have no doubt if the count had been conducted fairly, I was the winner. If there was a recount and I won then I would be vindicated, but equally I would be quite happy to go back to the ballot box and have a re-run."

Crofter Rosie Curtis from Kilchoan backed Mr Kennedy's claims: “Three crofts in Kilchoan didn’t get their papers until the day of the election. In my case I had to go to the Post Office and pay £2 to get it as it had no stamp. Myself, and the others would all have voted for Colin. I don’t think the election has been fair.”

Another crofter from Tiree, asking not to be named, said: “I would have voted for Colin but the voting paper didn’t arrive until the day before the election. It’s obvious a conspiracy has been going on. People obviously wanted Colin out.”

A spokesperson for the Crofting Commission said: “The commission’s chief executive strongly refutes any suggestion that staff tried to influence the outcome of the election in any way. Officials at the commission are strictly neutral in the election process."

Highlands and Islands council returning officer Derek Mackay commented: “I am confident that the election was carried out properly and in accordance with the relevant legislation.”