President apologises for "inappropriate" behaviour

President Thomas Graham has issued an apology over his “unacceptable” behaviour at Edinburgh University Students’ Union’s (EUSA) popular Big Cheese club night last Sunday morning.

Mr Graham’s conduct at Potterrow was at the centre of disparate rumours and allegations in the days that followed. The student president is believed to have reacted angrily after a friend of his was removed from the premises for being overly drunk, in what a witness said was a case of mistaken identity.

It was at this point Mr Graham began arguing with security staff in a bid to have his friend allowed back into Potterrow. When re-entry was denied, The Journal understands that the argument got more heated while Mr Graham attempted to use his influence as student president.

Witnesses say he became aggressive and made some “inappropriate comments” towards door staff before being forcibly ejected.

EUSA outsources security at Potterrow to Option 1 Security whose employees are not officially EUSA staff.

Mr Graham then “forced his way” back into the Potterrow complex to the EUSA offices to collect his possessions; he then locked himself in the office and left the premises via the fire exit inside the office.

At this point he made his way to the front of the building where he then had a heated argument with James Wallace, vice president services over the events of the night. Mr Wallace is believed to have got visibly upset.

“Both were very angry and making a scene,” said a witness who wished to remain anonymous.

It was alleged that Mr Graham told security staff that their jobs would be under threat; however no witnesses have substantiated these rumours.

The news comes as EUSA recently have announced plans to take redundancy cost cutting measures to counteract a drop in funding from the university. Mr Graham has not made plans to remove himself from this restructuring process.

Speaking to The Journal Mr Graham said: “I have apologised for my behaviour to the staff involved in this regrettable incident. I accept full responsibility for my actions; clearly my behaviour was not acceptable. I will ensure that it does not happen again.”

Vice President of Services James Wallace said: "I cannot comment specifically on this incident. But I have full confidence in the staff and security who did an exceptional job on Saturday night."