Highland Council has advertised for a solicitor to manage its licensing legal advice in the wake of a row over a decision to allow a convicted rapist taxi driver to renew his vehicle licence. It emerged that the council’s licensing committee – meeting in private – allowed his taxi operator’s licence to be retained so his wife could continue the business despite his conviction. The committee voted six-four to allow continuation of the licence. Six men who attended the meeting voted in favour while four female colleagues opposed it. The licensing decision will be reviewed by a meeting of the full council next week.