Sport Aberdeen chairman to stand down following grievance

The chairman of troubled leisure centre operator Sport Aberdeen is to stand down after a grievance was made against him.

In a statement, Tony Dawson said it was the subject of an internal investigation.

He said he did not agree with "every aspect" of the investigation's outcome, but he respected the process and had accepted the findings.

Dawson and Sport Aberdeen have not commented on the details of the grievance, but BBC Scotland News understands it was upheld.

Sport Aberdeen operates more than 30 Aberdeen City Council-owned leisure centres and sports venues.

Dawson said it related to alleged events that happened more than 11 months before concerns were raised formally with Sport Aberdeen.

He said: "While I did not agree with every aspect of the outcome, I respected the process, accepted the findings and complied fully with the actions arising from it."

Dawson said it would "not be appropriate" to comment on the detail as some aspects were subject to ongoing legal and regulatory proceedings.

He said it was agreed at a meeting on 30 June that he would step down as chair and a trustee.

Sport Aberdeen said "We do not comment on confidential matters relating to individuals or internal organisational processes."

The organisation has had a troubled spell.

It is under investigation by Scotland's charity regulator, Oscar. The regulator has not commented on its probe.

In November, Sport Aberdeen's chief executive Keith Heslop was replaced.

Sport Aberdeen said Heslop was dismissed after he failed to accept a demotion, but he claimed his suspension was unlawful.

Other directors have also left the organisation.

In May, two council officers joined the board in order to ensure it had enough directors to meet its legal requirements, including filing its annual accounts.