Sorry for VJ Day snub, says footballing Tory
THE Scottish Conservative leader has apologised for missing aVJ Day commemoration because he was working as a linesman at a football match.
Douglas Ross said he was “wrong” to have rejected an invitation to a service with veterans in his Moray constituency.
Rather than attend the event in Forres, near Inverness, on Saturday morning, Mr Ross was running the line as Kilmarnock hosted St Johnstone.
Following criticism of his decision, Mr Ross issued an apology to any veterans who were offended and pledged to donate his match fee – believed to be £445 – to the Help For Heroes charity.
He said: “I was selected to officiate a game before I was invited to theVJ Day event, and I offered apologies in advance that I could not attend.
“I had not anticipated there being an officialVJ Day event given the current restrictions due to Covid-19. But when it became clear there was a conflict, I should have asked to be taken off my game. I got this wrong and I apologise. I am a proud and passionate supporter of the Armed Forces and our veterans. I represent a constituency with a significant military presence. I made an error of judgment here and apologise to any veteran who was offended.”
Following his appointment as leader, Mr Ross said he would quit his job as a football official if he becomes first minister after the 2021 election.
Labour MSP Neil Findlay accused Mr Ross of being a “part-time MP” who was “more interested in football”.