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Aileen Orr has submitted a statement addressing a recent news article. The statement can be read in full below. Statement from former SNP Councillor, Aileen Orr, on recent events:

“Over recent days, it has been reported in the media that I have been charged in connection with a cannabis find at Sunwick Farm in East Berwickshire. These articles, which are in fact from February 2024, are misleading. I think it so important that accurate information is given to the electorate in East Berwickshire and indeed to the wider public - and those journalists who wish to report these events.

“As I have stated publicly, my family and I have been the subject of an orchestrated witch hunt at the hands of known fraudster, harasser and convicted stalker, Martin Frank Frost. This is well evidenced in the media, as well as through the fact that a 5-year-non-harassment-order was granted against Mr Frost at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last year.

“While I am restricted in exactly what I can say due to a number of live investigations, Police Scotland and the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service will confirm that there are a number of live investigations into Mr Frost’s crimes against me and my family. This includes by specialist prosecutors at the direction of the Lord Advocate.

“I categorically and vehemently deny any criminality alleged against me. I have never, nor would ever, knowingly allow a cannabis cultivation on any property I own. 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.

“Turning to my position within the SNP as a local authority councillor, I feel I must express my disappointment at the party for suspending me simply after this article appeared. I have been a loyal SNP member for over 55 years. I followed all internal party processes and the leadership of the SNP council group at SBC were fully aware of events.

“Presently, I have taken the decision to represent East Berwickshire to the best of my ability as an independent councillor.

“This campaign of hate, by Mr Frost and his associates, has caused untold misery to me and to those closest to me. I would ask the media, and all interested parties, to ensure accuracy in the reporting of events and to respect my right, and that of my family, to privacy. I will make a more full statement as investigations proceed.”

ENDS