Orkney-born Dons fan - and SNP health boss - Neil Gray has been asked to explain why he used a taxpayer-funded chauffer-driven limo to watch Aberdeen at Hampden on three occasions.

Gray used his official government car three times in the space of just six months to travel to and from Hampden Park in both his health secretary role and his previous economy secretary position.

The "essential" trips, according to the Scottish government, each coincided with his beloved Aberdeen FC playing cup ties against Hibs, Rangers and Celtic, with VIP seats for the fixtures also provided.

Officially, Gray was there to discuss the “social impact investment in sport” on two occasions, with a third simply billed as being for "sport".

It comes after SNP politicians were vocal in their criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for accepting freebies including a private box at Arsenal FC.

The Times reports the Scottish government insisted sport falls under the remit of health secretaries and is also important to Gray’s previous wellbeing economy role. Politicians are allowed to accept gifts as long as they are declared.

A spokesman said: “Ministers are invited to a range of engagements and attend select events in an official capacity, details of which we publish proactively.

“This is an essential part of government business that allows ministers to engage and build relationships with key stakeholders and to help promote Scotland as a place to visit, work and invest in.

“All travel costs are in accordance with travel and subsistence policies to ensure we deliver the best value for money possible for the Scottish public.”

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