New leisure operator board members bring 'expertise'

Two council officers who have joined the board of Sport Aberdeen - after a number of directors left - will bring "expertise", the leisure operator has said.

Sport Aberdeen runs more than 30 indoor and outdoor venues across the city, offering sport and physical activities.

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) said last month it was assessing concern about the charity.

During a closed door meeting at the city council last week, councillors voted to recommend two council officers join the board for at least six months. Gale Beattie and Martin Murchie have now been officially appointed.

The arms length organisation receives millions of pounds in annual funding from Aberdeen City Council.

The chief executive, Keith Heslop, was replaced in November.

The OSCR said in April it would assess a concern raised, and then decide if a formal inquiry was needed once that process was complete.

Sport Aberdeen chairman Tony Dawson said on Wednesday: "We welcome the addition of Gale Beattie and Martin Murchie to the board and the expertise they bring.

"Their appointments will support Sport Aberdeen in continuing to deliver high quality sport and leisure services in the city."

Aberdeen City Council has also been asked for comment.