Founder wants an apology - but OSCR says suspension was only lifted as he is no longer a trustee
Scotland’s charity regulator has been threatened with legal action in the latest twist over the running of Glasgow cycling group Free Wheel North.
Founder Norman Armstrong (pictured) says he wants an apology from OSCR and is “exploring” legal redress after he was suspended from acting as a trustee for six months for “contributing to the misconduct in the administration of the charity”.
He told TFN this week that OSCR has now reversed its decision on the suspension after he appealed.
However, while this is true, the regulator is standing by its investigation into Armstrong and the reasons for his suspension.
It lays out its reasoning in an amendment to its report into the running of Free Wheel North, which runs cycling centres at Glasgow Green and Maryhill and organises activities for children and families.
The regulator says that his suspension was no longer necessary and was lifted as he is no longer a trustee.
It further stated that if he was still involved, the suspension would not have been lifted.
OSCR said: “On 27 October 2025, Norman Armstrong requested a review of OSCR’s decision to suspend him as a charity trustee for a period of six months from 21 October 2025. The review was conducted by an internal review officer who was not involved in the original decision.
“Mr Armstrong is no longer a trustee of Free Wheel North and the charity has a new Board in place, as a result the review officer decided that his continued suspension was no longer necessary. In light of this change in circumstances, OSCR has removed the official suspension previously placed on Mr Armstrong.
“The review officer did find that had Mr Armstrong still been a trustee of Free Wheel North the suspension would have remained in place.”
Free Wheel North has been wracked by internal infighting for some time now. In July, OSCR directed the charity to elect a new board over governance concerns.
The regulator started a probe several years ago – and published findings in October. Among the reasons for Armstrong’s original suspension were “inappropriate use of charity funds” relating to five payments made from the charity’s bank account for personal expenses, and “ongoing disputes with other charity trustees”.
Despite lifting the suspension, these findings still stand.
Armstrong vigorously denies any wrongdoing and says he has been subjected to “malicious communications, abuse and vandalism” at the hands of a group of people “keen to harm the charity”.
He told TFN this week: “This [OSCR’s] reversal is welcome, but it does not undo the severe personal and professional harm caused by the original decision. Media coverage of my suspension triggered a new wave of online abuse and harassment - an escalation of behaviour I have faced since 2022.
“The accusations that I have misused funds and obstructed governance were entirely unfounded and defamous [sic]. I have submitted a formal complaint to OSCR to which more details will be added as matters arise. Others connected to Free Wheel North will be doing the same.
“A full public retraction is needed, as the original allegation - that I acted against the charity’s interests - is completely untrue and contradicted by extensive evidence, most of which thus far has been disregard.”
He continued: “For over a decade I have sacrificed my personal and financial wellbeing for Free Wheel North and for the people we support. I have never misused funds or obstructed governance. My commitment has always been to strengthening inclusive cycling, community health, and public good in Scotland. I have sought to establish proper governance in the face of persistent sabotage.
“Meanwhile, the organisation has suffered enormous damage - financially, reputationally, and in its ability to deliver vital services. Scotland has lost millions in potential development and health benefit due to ongoing internal disruption and regulatory failures.”
He added: “For these reasons, and in the interests of public accountability, I intend to explore legal action against OSCR for the damage caused. Any compensation sought would go toward restoring the public benefit projects that Scotland has lost - not for personal gain.
“This is ultimately a fight for transparent regulation, safe communities, and the protection of those working for the public good.”
OSCR did not comment on the threat of legal action.
