Health secretary Neil Gray has apologised for using his chauffeur-driven ministerial car to attends Aberdeen FC matches - insisting he should also have used it to go to non-Dons fixtures.

The Dons daft SNP MSP drew criticism when it emerged he had the plush government motor - complete with a personal chauffeur - to go and watch Aberdeen play at Hampden three times and once at Pittodrie.

The Scottish Conservatives said Gray was having "a jolly to watch the football" with the taxpayer footing the bill.

Now, in a statement to parliament, Gray has said: "I should have made sure that I attended a wider range of games and not just Aberdeen, and I apologise for my error.

“I am a football fan. I follow Aberdeen. But I should not have allowed the impression to be given that this played any role in my engagements and I am sorry for my error.”

The health secretary previously insisted the trips were for “official ministerial business”, discussing important issues such the use of pyrotechnics, business engagement in sport and the SPFL’s work to support community wellbeing.

More like this…

View all