John Swinney has been branded ‘desperate’ after claiming under-fire health secretary Neil Gray attended a glitzy film bash because the movie touched upon addiction.
The First Minister said Mr Gray needed to be chauffeured in a ministerial car to the opening of the Edinburgh International Film Festival as it was ‘relevant to his portfolio’.
The Scottish Tories accused Mr Swinney of ‘clutching at straws’ but the First Minister doubled down in his defence of his beleaguered colleague after the Mail revealed Mr Gray had taken an official limo to and from the gala event.
Mr Gray’s wife Karlie also attended the star-studded premiere at the Cameo cinema on August 15.
The Scottish Government has insisted Mr Gray was performing ‘ministerial duties’, which justified his use of taxpayer- funded transport.
But the premiere was also attended by Culture Secretary Angus Robertson, who met with the film’s star, Saoirse Ronan, and the festival’s director and chair.
That has raised questions about why Mr Gray, who is already under-fire over football trips, went as well – other than as a ‘jolly’.
Government records state Mr Gray discussed ‘culture’ at a ‘reception’ held at the premiere with film quango Screen Scotland, but the First Minister yesterday claimed he went because of his health brief.
Neil Gray was driven in a ministerial car to attend the film bash with his wife Karlie
The event to promote movie The Outrun was already being attended by Culture Secretary Angus Robertson who met with the film’s star Saoirse Ronan, above
Asked by the Mail why Mr Gray needed to attend when Mr Robertson was already at the screening, Mr Swinney said it had been for ‘government business’.
Asked what Mr Gray added, the SNP leader replied: JetBlack ‘Well, he was attending a film which is addressing the issues of drug addiction and alcohol addiction.
‘And mental health and well-being are therefore relevant to his portfolio interests as the Cabinet Secretary for Health.’
The opening night featured the UK premiere of The Outrun, a film based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir about recovering from alcoholism in Orkney, where Mr Gray grew up.