TWO prospective councillors are at the centre of criticism today following concerning social media posts. 

The Press highlighted to the Scottish Labour Party that posts on Postman Garry Haldane's Facebook page had been sexist and racist.

The party will now be launching an immediate investigation into these posts.

Garry Haldane will be standing in the Dunfermline Central Ward local elections on May 4, alongside Fife Provost Councillor Jim Leishman. 

Another candidate, Dalgety Bay resident Kathleen Leslie, has been forced to apologise after a series of Twitter spats against the SNP. 

The Scottish Conservative candidate for Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy, works with children with additional support needs at Woodmill High School, and branded SNP supporters saying that "only a racist supports a Nationalist ideology".

A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said:“These comments are clearly unacceptable, and Kathleen apologises for them. She’s removed them and been reminded of her responsibilities as a candidate.”

Gary Haldane has also been publicly supported by previous Dunfermline Labour MSP Cara Hilton, who was defeated by the SNP's Shirley-Anne Somerville in 2016. 

Following his decision to run for Scottish Labour in this year's local council elections, the Communication Workers Union of which Mr Haldane is a member, decided to fund £1,000 towards his campaign. 

However, the branch cancelled the cheque at the last minute after seeing seriously concerning Facebook posts from Garry Haldane's social media page. 

Gary Haldane's concerning messages on his social media page range from last year until present day. 

One sexist post from last year shared from 'The debbie wiid fun page' says: "25% of the women in this country are on medication for mental illness. It means 75% are running around untreated." The words are presented on top of a photo displaying a woman with a "crazy" expression in just a bra. 

He also shared a post from 'Infidels of Britain' which pictures a group of soldiers with a poppy and U.K. flag in the background, saying "They fought to keep Britain British". 

The 'Infidels of Britain' Facebook group describes itself as a political voice for the indigenous people of Britain, who are opposed to the European Union, immigration, multiculturalism and political correctness. Similar posts to this can be also be seen Mr Haldane's page.

A post that was sent to members of the CWU displaying sectarian views caused uproar within the branch last week. 

Gary Haldane was contacted by the Press for a response but he refused to comment. However, he has maintained he will still stand for election. 

Kathleen Leslie's offensive tweets also focused on Nicola Sturgeon calling the First Minister a "drooling hag" and a "wee fish wife". 

Supporters of the SNP were also targeted such as the lottery winning Weir family who have donated millions to the Yes movement, mocking them as "uneducated fat f******". 

An SPN spokeswoman said: "Kathleen Leslie's online rants are spectacularly ill-judged and insulting. 

"This is becoming a real problem for the Torries - they've had to suspend three candidates for racist rants and a whole host of other candidates have had to apologise for their behaviour. Ruth Davidson's party are quickly becoming Scotland's Ukip."

Fife Council refused to discuss details of their employee but said staff are free to express their personal views publicly subject to some constraints. 

Shelagh McLean, Head of Service Education, said: "As a responsible employer we do not ever discuss individual details about any of our employees.

"We have a very clear Code of Conduct which sets out the behaviour we expect from employees and we take appropriate action when necessary.

"As individuals, our employees have a right to express their own views publicly as long as they are not speaking in their capacity as a council employee or they clear these are not the views of the council."