By Tony O’Reilly-
A Scottish councillor has appeared in court charged with rape. Councillor Andy Chan, 43, appeared at a private petition hearing at Perth Sheriff Court on Friday, January 9, where he faced a single charge of rape and sexual assault.
He made no plea during the brief hearing and was granted bail. The case has been committed for further investigation and the date of his next court appearance has not yet been confirmed.
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Last summer, the Perth City South ward councillor left the Conservative group following the launch of a criminal investigation.
He is currently sitting as an independent councillor.
Raised in Perth, Andy was educated at Craigie Primary and Perth High School before going on to run the family takeaway on Glengarry
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The legal proceedings follow a long-term investigation that first became public in July 2025.
Court Appearance: On Friday, January 9, 2026, Andy Chan (aged 43) appeared at a private petition hearing at Perth Sheriff Court.
He faces a single allegation of rape and sexual assault.
The investigation focuses on an incident reported to have occurred in the summer of 2017.
During his brief initial appearance, Chan made no plea and was granted bail. The case has been committed for further investigation, with no future court date yet confirmed.
Political Fallout:
Chan resigned from the Scottish Conservative and Unionist group in June 2025 when the criminal probe was launched, citing “personal reasons”. He has since continued to serve as an independent councillor representing the Perth City South ward.
Before his entry into local politics, Andy Chan was a well-known figure in the Perth community through his business and charitable work.
For many years, he operated his family’s takeaway business, Chans, located on Glengarry Road in Perth, until its eventual closure.
He has served as the Chairman of the association, where he was instrumental in organizing local Chinese New Year celebrations and fostering cultural ties.
He is a former chairman of Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS), a major local charity.
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