Neil Gray has denied he attended several Aberdeen matches “more as a fan and less of a minister” following a row over his use of an official chauffeur-driven car.
The SNP Health Secretary – a well-known Dons fan – apologised today after a backlash for using a ministerial car to attend six games at Pittodrie and Hampden Park.
In a statement to MSPs, Gray insisted his attendance at each fixture was a legitimate government engagement. But he also revealed he was accompanied by a family member or friend at four of the Aberdeen games.
Gray told MSPs: “I want to make one thing very clear – the role of ministers in attending events is clearly long established. It is undertaken by ministers here and in every other administration in the UK.
“Indeed, I expect there are Ministers across the UK this week attending events, including sporting events, as official engagements. I point this out to make crystal clear that attendance at such events is legitimate.
“What would not be legitimate would be to use that role as a way to pursue non-ministerial interests – including as a fan. It is a matter of regret to me that, by attending four Aberdeen games, I have given the impression of acting more as a fan and less as a minister.
Gray continued: “I did attend other football games – Scotland national team games – and other sporting events, but, when it comes to domestic football, I should have ensured I went to see teams other than Aberdeen.
“It was not planned that way, but I should not have allowed that situation to develop. I should have made sure that I attended a wider range of games and not just Aberdeen and I apologise for my error.”
Gray has been under pressure after it emerged he had attended three games of Aberdeen at Hampden and was chauffeured there in an official vehicle.
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