BBC Television Programme – Scotland’s Property Nightmare - Clarification of the facts
This programme, broadcast on BBC Scotland on Wednesday, January 9th, included a feature relating to a housing development managed by Ross & Liddell and portrayed our company and the service we provide to clients in a poor light.
A series of statements and allegations made throughout the feature were grossly inaccurate and appeared to prove that even a seemingly reputable news and current affairs provider such as BBC Scotland was not prepared to let the facts get in the way of a good story.
The fact is that from 2005 the principal complainant, Ms Carlin, was given a great many opportunities to respond to correspondence from us but failed entirely to do so until, after eighteen months, we resorted finally to legal action to collect the debt she owed. Only after a Decree was granted by the Sheriff did we receive a complaint from Ms Carlin.
The fact is that at this stage Ms Carlin gave us a verbal undertaking, which we accepted in good faith, that she would pay the outstanding sums and we in turn, taking her at her word, postponed legal proceedings. In the event, no payment was received, nor has any payment ever been made to us by Ms Carlin from the time she moved into her property.
The fact is that Ms Carlin’s refusal to pay sums due placed a financial burden both on us and her fellow residents in meeting the outstanding maintenance bills due to those contracted to carry out the work on our behalf.
The fact is that the BBC’s journalists were given, in writing by us, a clear factual briefing of the situation surrounding the issues to be raised in the report none of which were aired. We could not discuss the case with the BBC since, contrary to its comments, the matter was in the process of going to a full court hearing and we did not wish to prejudice the case. This was made clear in our correspondence with the BBC. The provisions of the Data Protection Act also constrained us from making any comment on this case. Now that Ms Carlin has gone public we believe we are entitled to make limited comment to correct the allegations made.
The fact is that our case against Ms Carlin was not ‘torn up’ by the Sheriff at Glasgow. As the decree was being recalled there is automatically a proof hearing scheduled and this will call at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, 31 January. The outcome will be determined at that time.
The fact is that we have managed the 102 properties in the development in question for nine years and throughout this period, contrary to the impression conveyed in the television programme, we have only had occasion to sue for recovery four times.
Despite the inaccuracies broadcast in this programme, Ross & Liddell will continue to provide the highest standard of management service possible and we invite any clients who wish to discuss this matter further to contact us at your convenience.
ENDS