THE COUNCILLOR who fired an angry online rant against his own local authority over the cancellation of school transport was called by SBC bosses to "discuss his comments" - and has since released a statement.

Rory Stewart, who represents Jedburgh and District and is a member of the ruling administration at Scottish Borders Council, sought to diffuse the controversy he created when he took to social media last month to brand his own local authority a “laughing stock”.

He was summoned to a meeting at Newtown after unleashing the firey tirade about the council's decision to cancel school transport due to a forecast for heavy snow

It is considered a breach of the councillors’ code of conduct for elected members to publicly criticise paid officers.

Prior to the meeting, the 46-year-old plasterer said, "I stand by my views and my right to express them" regarding his Facebook post.

He had been incensed at the decision to cancel all school transport in the region after the Met Office had predicted up to six centimetres of snow could fall over the 12 hours from 7pm.

He told his social media followers he was “absolutely astounded by the actions of SBC”, adding “What on bloody earth has got into them?”

He went on: “They want students to behave like young adults, but they themselves treat them like children.

“You make yourself a laughing stock at times SBC.”

His comments garnered over 20 online messages of support.

Mr Stewart said: “I’ve been stopped in the street, telephoned and even had visits at home by many members of the public, all saying they supported my comments for which I remain unrepentant.”

However, since last Thursday's (January 28) hearing, the councillor admits he could have been more diplomatic in his reaction to the council's decision.

He said: “Having had a constructive discussion with the Council’s Chief Executive, I recognise that in the first instance it would have been better to have raised my concerns with officers before making public comment as I was not aware of the full facts surrounding the decisions.

“I recognise that these decisions are not easy ones and that there are a number of variables that cannot be accurately predicted. I appreciate that officers are working in the best interests of the public.”