AN ABERDEEN councillor has apologised after posting a message on Twitter accusing an SNP MSP of using his family as “political tools”.

The SNP demanded that Aberdeen City Council finance convener Willie Young be disciplined for the remarks referring to SNP MSP Mark McDonald, who has campaigned to raise awareness of autism since his son’s diagnosis in 2011.Donside MSP Mark McDonald today said Mr Young had “crossed a line” in accusing him of using his child for political gain.The spat blew up on Twitter when Cllr Young posted that Mr McDonald was “going on about autism”

The Labour councillor’s tweet continued: “SNP in Abdn (sic) closed down Raeden School then opposed our plans for new state of art school. Unbelievable.”

@markmcdsnp @KeithLorelei opposed it i feel sorry for his wife & family using them as political tools. some people never learn family sacred — William Young (@youngwd1) December 7, 2014

Earlier this year Mr McDonald had called on the council to consider using the old Summerhill Academy plot for a special needs school after Raeden Centre on Mid Stocket Road shut three years ago.

Education bosses have instead earmarked land at Bucksburn Farm.

Mr McDonald responded to Mr Young by tweeting: “There you go again, with your facts and stuff.”

Following the outcry today Mr Young tweeted: “Sorry if people found my tweet offensive and apologise for any upset that might have caused.”https://twitter.com/youngwd1/status/542314466931912705

Earlier today Cllr Young claimed that Mr McDonald’s criticism was “an absolute cheek” when the SNP had closed Raeden, but refused to comment further.

Mr McDonald said today he had spoken openly about his son’s condition but never to further political goals.

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