Apology from Western Isles council over missing folder

AN apology has been made by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar after a confidential home care file about an elderly islander turned up in a charity shop.

The file, containing a raft of personal details, was found in a filing cabinet that the council had disposed of and which was subsequently sold on by the charity shop.

A council spokesman said: “It is a matter of regret that information was misplaced in this way and the council apologises for any distress caused to individuals. It was a case of human error in that a file slipped down the back of an otherwise empty cabinet which was then disposed of. The council is reviewing how it disposes of equipment and every step will be taken to minimise the risk of information being misplaced.”

The file has now been handed back to the Council.