Three Stewartry-based community enterprises and their administrator have been stunned by a mystery social media ban.
Creetown Heritage Museum, Kirkdale Men’s Shed and Doors Open Days Dumfries and Galloway have been silenced since last week.
Their Facebook, Instagram and Messenger accounts have all been disabled – while admin Mick Macleod’s have been wiped entirely.
Mr Macleod, who moved from Creetown to New Abbey this week, is at a loss as to why Facebook took the action. He said: “My personal page has been taken down completely – I don’t really exist any more.
“People can still look at the other pages but I can’t edit them. I can’t post stories or photos or updates – not even an apology. I can’t refer to old messages or reply to any requests. I literally have no access and cannot see them.”
Mr Macleod originally set up each account separately but on Facebook’s recommendation, he says, they were linked to his personal account – meaning when it was disabled they all were.
He now fears the ban could affect future operations if not rescinded.
He said: “I have worked really hard to build up Doors Open Days Dumfries and Galloway over the past five years. At the start we had six participating venues – now have more than 30.
“Creetown Heritage Museum also has a lot of followers. Sometimes posts get 200 likes and comments and a lot of people like sharing them. This has really chopped the legs from underneath us.”
He added: “My Facebook pages are volunteer run affairs which give me no income or financial gain in any way. When they shut down my account my Messenger and Instagram disappeared straight away – it’s absolutely unreal.
“I would strongly warn others about linking their accounts. The risk of losing everything – your social media posts, messages and contacts – is dangerously high. It’s really shocking – I didn’t know I was such a criminal.”
Mr McLeod suspects the ban could be related to a copyrighted photo of tiered seating which was on the national Doors Open Days site.
He said: “There was no specific listing highlighted and I honestly had no idea which Facebook post they were referring to. Before I could take further action Facebook disabled all my linked accounts.
“I tried to appeal but they said the decision was irreversible and final. ”
Facebook told Mr Macleod: “We’ve determined that you are ineligible to use Facebook. Unfortunately, for safety and security reasons we can’t provide additional information as to why your account was disabled. We appreciate your understanding as this decision is final.”
