A LABOUR MSP has been accused of a "conflict of interest" after it appeared he was raising issues in Holyrood that could benefit a client of his brother's public relations firm.

Alasdair Morrison, member for the Western Isles, has helped address the concerns of the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) over the past two months.

But his recent advocacy of golfrelated matters has attracted criticism after it emerged the SGU is represented by a firm run by the MSP's brother.

Earlier this year, John Morrison, an exBBC broadcaster, and former political journalist Lindsay McGarvie set up PR company McGarvie Morrison Media Ltd (MMM), which has gained a reputation for being well-connected in Labour circles. The SGU has had its political profile raised since hiring MMM.

In February, MSPs set up a crossparty group on golf that was to be used to encourage the development of the sport north of the Border. SGU chief executive Hamish Grey was appointed secretary and treasurer, while McGarvie was listed as one of the "individuals" with an interest in the group.

But the Sunday Herald can reveal that the idea for creating the group came from John Morrison's brother, Alasdair, who submitted his proposal in February, at a time when his sibling was about to become McGarvie's business partner.

The MSP was then appointed as the group's convener, which will allow him to help set the direction of the group.

Morrison also seemed to back his brother's client last week by supporting the SGU's call for a rethink of legislation passed in the parliament's first term.

The Land Reform Act legislated for ramblers to have "responsible access" to Scotland's countryside. But the law has frustrated some golfers, who believe the game is being spoiled by ramblers who put them off their swing and allow their dogs to foul in the rough. The SGU's Grey demanded a change in the law whereby ramblers would only be able to walk along defined paths.

The call was covered by the BBC and also supported by Morrison, who said the public did not have an unfettered right to walk wherever they liked. "This is having a major impact on golf courses, " he said.

Morrison's interventions have surprised parliamentary insiders, who recall the MSP as being a staunch defender of the Land Reform Act.

SNP MSP Michael Matheson said:

"I'm surprised Alasdair Morrison, who was a great advocate of the Land Reform Act, is now calling on it to be changed. If this conflict of interest is not addressed quickly, it could undermine the cross-party group structure."

Morrison yesterday insisted his actions had been above board. "The cross-party group was established in accordance with the strictures of the standards committee. The SGU provides the secretariat. Who they engage as their PR company is none of my business."

John Morrison said: "How would it benefit our firm? It might benefit the SGU and all its members. Our relationship is with the SGU. The cross-party committee was set up and Alasdair was elected by the members as convener."