Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games chief John Scott quits

John Scott has stepped down as chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 organising committee

The chief executive of the organising committee for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has resigned.

John Scott stepped down after admitting breaking rules over accepting gifts and hospitality from a potential supplier.

A statement from the organising committee said Mr Scott deeply regretted his mistake.

David Grevemberg, the chief operating officer, will take charge of the organising committee until a permanent chief executive appointment is made.

Lord Smith, chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: "John Scott has made an important contribution to the planning of what we believe will be an outstanding Games.

"The board has accepted his resignation for an error of judgement he made in accepting, and not declaring, an offer from one of Glasgow 2014's potential suppliers, in breach of the organising committee's strict gifts and gratuities policy.

"I know he deeply regrets this mistake and this was a job that he loved. It is a measure of the man that he has put the values and reputation of the OC ahead of his own at this time."

He said that because Mr Scott was was largely responsible for setting the committee's standards of governance he felt he could not continue in his role as chief executive under the circumstances.

He added: "Now we must look to the future.

"We have a great team and a strong relationship with our Games partners. We are on track and on budget and do not intend to let the pace of our preparations drop."

Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: "John Scott has made a valuable contribution as chief executive of the organising committee.

"He played a leading role in ensuring the delivery of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow remains on schedule and within budget.

"However, the reputation and integrity of our Games is paramount and to that end I believe Mr Scott has done the right and principled thing in stepping down.

She added: "The standards that apply in a company responsible to the public are of necessity higher than those which prevail in private business and I fully support the decision taken by the organising committee."

Strathclyde Police confirmed they are not investigating Mr Scott.