Scott resigns as chief executive of Glasgow 2014 after "error of judgement"

John Scott today resigned as the chief executive of the Organising Committee for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games with immediate affect following an "error of judgement" involving a supplier.

He stepped down after he admitted breaking rules over accepting gifts and hospitality from a potential supplier.

Lord Smith, chairman of Glasgow 2014, said in a statement: "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 today 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."

Scott had joined Glasgow 2014 in April 2008 from UK Sport, where he had been the·International Director and Director of Drug-Free Sport.

Smith said: "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.

"John was largely responsible for setting the OC's high standards of governance and he felt he could not continue in his role as chief executive under the circumstances."

David Grevemberg, the chief operating officer, will take charge of the Organising Committee until a permanent appointment is made.

The American joined Glasgow in August 2009 having previously been executive director of sport and international federation relations at the International Paralympic Committee.

Smith said: "Now we must look to the future.

"We have a great team in the Organising Committee 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."

Scotland's Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison has reacted to the news.

She 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.

"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."