That emerged after a meeting of the local branch of the MS Society at the weekend and follows the unexpected resignation of high-profile writer J.K. Rowling as patron of the organisation in Scotland.

The author of the best-selling Harry Potter books blamed conflict between the Scottish body and management in London for her decision and claimed the society is being riven by an internal row.

Although no longer patron, she hopes to continue giving time and money to a cause which is close to her heart.

Caithness branch chairperson Patricia Stanley said members will be writing to all Scottish branches of the society calling for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the way forward.

"Should sufficient members wish to have such a meeting, we will be proposing a motion that the society in Scotland breaks away from the UK-wide organisation.

"We believe this will best serve the interests of people affected by MS in Scotland," she told the Caithness Courier.

However, Mrs Stanley gave an assurance that in the meantime the local branch will be "carrying on business as usual".

She explained that for a number of months the Caithness branch committee has received correspondence regarding problems between the Scottish council – elected by Scottish members – and the UK society based in London.

"No explanation was given for the suspension of the Scottish council last autumn. They were reinstated earlier this year and then suspended again last week," said Mrs Stanley. "It seems this further suspension precipitated J.K. Rowling's decision."

She continued: "As a branch of the MS Society we have tried our hardest to find out what has been happening at the senior level of our organisation but no explanation has been forthcoming.

"We are as much in the dark as the general public as to what exactly has been going on but note that Ms Rowling has said she has resigned because of the imposition of decisions on Scotland by London."

Mrs Stanley added that the charity is currently undergoing a review of governance.

"As things stand Scotland has little voting power over the society as a whole," she stated. "We are concerned that the shape of the new constitution will not be of benefit to people with MS in Scotland.

"We believe the society in Scotland needs autonomy to ensure that it can best serve the interests of people with MS living in Scotland, particularly since we have a separate government to which matters relating to health, the care system, the availability of drugs are all devolved and since Scotland has the highest rate of MS in the world.

"We were shocked to read of the resignation of J.K. Rowling and would like to thank her for all the support she has given those of us affected by MS during her 10 years as patron."

The author's mother died from the condition at the age of 45 in 1991.

Mrs Stanley said: "Due to Ms Rowling's experience she has empathy with the MS community and had thrown herself into it, giving generously of her time and money to support the Scottish MS Society and we, as members, will be ever grateful for all she has done for us.

"In the meantime, we wish to stress that the branch of the MS Society in Caithness is carrying on business as usual. We will continue to provide services, already in place, to the people affected with and by MS and to plan for the future."

She added: "We are very grateful for the generosity of the community in Caithness. Indeed, without it we could not continue to support local people affected by MS.

"We are determined to continue to provide that support and we hope the community will help us through what may be a difficult time ahead, as they have in the past.

"If anyone would like to become involved in the work of the Caithness branch, either by attending one of the therapy groups or as a helper, or if they feel they have any other part they could play within our branch to aid our work, then we would welcome them."

Anyone who would like further information about the work of the branch should contact Mrs Stanley on 01955 609079.

g.calder@nosn.co.uk

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