THE future of Graham Isdale, one of the founders of public relations agency the Big Partnership, is in doubt this weekend amid speculation he is likely to leave due to growing tensions with his fellow directors.

Isdale, a former local newspaper editor, has not been seen in the Park Circus office in Glasgow since before Christmas, largely due to a private matter. But his sustained absence has fuelled rumours about his future role.

He formed Big six years ago along with Alex Barr and Neil Gibson when all three quit Beattie Media (now Beattie Communications) in a high-profile bust-up with Gordon Beattie, the agency's owner. Big took its name from the initials of the founders' surnames.

Since then, the threesome have built a £5m turnover business employing 80 staff in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen and have rapidly established the agency as one of the country's top players, representing clients such as Celtic Football Club and Motherwell Bridge.

While Barr and Gibson maintained close client relationships, Isdale styled himself managing director and effectively took over the managerial functions. It is not known whether management style has had any bearing on the speculation but there is no question of impropriety.

Last night Isdale said he remained a director and expected to return to work, but he hesitated when asked if he intended to remain managing director. "I am not able to say any more," he said.

Barr also refused to elaborate, saying only: "He remains a director and shareholder of Big Partnership."

Isdale, 48, was editor of the Hamilton Advertiser when Gordon Beattie approached him about joining his then fledgling public relations agency in the town. Isdale prospered at Beattie, as did his future fellow directors in Big. He spent five years at Beattie, helping it grow into a multi-million-pound business, before the split in a row with the owner over equity.

Last updated: 19-Mar-06 00:24 GMT