THE boss of Greenock's Beacon Arts Centre has been suspended over allegations of gross misconduct, the Telegraph can reveal.

Chief executive Sean Paul O'Hare has been on gardening leave since November, while an internal investigation is carried out.

It is unclear what Mr O'Hare has been accused of but a source told the Tele the matter is 'complicated'.

A probe into his alleged misconduct is being led by three members from the board of Greenock Arts Guild Ltd - the Beacon's parent company.

Management say they will not discuss the situation.

Chairman Gordon Armour said: "I would not comment on any ongoing staff matter."

It is understood the internal investigation was supposed to be concluded before Christmas but has taken longer than expected due to the complexities of the matter.

The probe is expected to come to an end in the next week or so.

The findings will then be put to all members of the board, who will make a decision on Mr O'Hare's future at the arts centre.

The Northern Irishman joined the Beacon on February 6 last year.

He replaced former chief executive Jackie Shearer, who left to run a similar venture in Glasgow after nearly three years in charge following a six-month spell as transition director.

Mr O'Hare, who is originally from Belfast, was a director of the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in the village of Naul near Dublin before taking the top job at the Beacon.

He was chosen from a shortlist of six candidates from across the UK and Ireland for the £50,000-a-year role.

Mr O'Hare has more than two decades' experience in the arts in Ireland and Scotland managing and directing venues, programmes and community projects as well as directing and producing festivals.

The Tele contacted Mr O'Hare for a response.