ONE of the directors at a troubled publicly-owned bus firm has resigned from the board.

Owen Boyle has quit from the board of Lothian Buses as worker director over what he described as "cowardly behaviour" relating to a row involving colleagues.

Mr Boyle, who will remain employed by the firm, said he wanted to remain neutral and his resignation was not a sign he was taking sides after complaints were raised against chief executive Ian Craig which were found in an investigation not to warrant disciplinary action.

Information about the case that was leaked to media was described as central to Mr Boyle's decision which he gave to the acting chairman Tony Depledge.

It was reported a series of complaints by three board members claimed Mr Craig had acted in an "intimidating and petulant" manner.

The company has been blighted by acrimony with Mr Craig absent from his post while investigations were carried out into his leadership, before he was cleared.

In a letter to Mr Depledge, Mr Boyle said that "it is obvious that someone with knowledge is making comments (to the media) and hiding behind a nom de plume", adding: "I do not want to be associated with such cowardly behaviour and it is with regret that I have to resign my position on the board."

He continued: "During the recent period of unrest within Lothian Buses board I believed that to remain neutral was the best position to take.

"I do not want my resignation to appear that I am siding with anyone.

"I wish you and colleagues on the board every success in taking Lothian Buses from strength to strength in the future."

Mr Depledge said in a statement: "I understand Owen's decision and I wish him all the best in his future career."

Former chair Ann Faulds earlier quit over the controversy, claiming a decision was made to remove Mr Craig from his post at boardroom level, but this was denied by a senior source.

Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh transport convener, said of the leaked information: "This is a confidential personnel file, which only a very small group of people have previously had sight of.

"I have not seen the report myself and I consider it extremely disappointing that someone has acted in such an inappropriate manner by leaking it to the media.

"Tony Depledge, interim Chair, continues to work tirelessly to restore stability to Lothian Buses after such an unsettled period for the company."