Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton has also said the SNP's "shoddy excuses" in defence of Health Secretary Neil Gray made the row look like "another Michael Matheson affair". Matheson quit as health secretary and served a record ban for breaching parliament's expenses policy.

Gray made a statement after coming under fire for attending matches involving Aberdeen FC at Hampden by invitation of the Scottish Football Association.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said he was "absolutely committed" to the scheme, which aims to transfer responsibility for social care away from councils to a new national body. Opposition parties are opposed to the plans, which have already been delayed by three years due to financial pressures and uncertainty over costs.

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,