Neil Gray apologises for using Ministerial car to attend Aberdeen football matches

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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 supporter - apologised today after a backlash for using a ministerial vehicle to attend six games at Pittodrie and Hampden Park, including two Scotland internationals.

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 in his official car on five occasions.

Gray has now faced calls from opposition parties to pay back the cost of the car journeys.

The Health Secretary told MSPs: "I want to make one thing very clear - the role of ministers in attending events is 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.

Labour MSP Neil Bibby said the minister’s attendance at the Aberdeen v Livingston game at Pittodrie has “raised particular eyebrows” and asked for further details of the discussions to be published.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said the “real issue” was the minister’s use of a government car and there would not have been a problem had he used public transport.

The Conservatives said he was merely making “pathetic” excuses and the fact he was accompanied to the games showed he was on a “jolly to watch the football”.

Speaking to journalists following Gray’s statement, First Minister John Swinney said he would not refer Gray for an investigation under the ministerial code.

He said the statement had addressed “all the issues that need to be considered” and he now considers the matter “closed”.

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