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Sporting chiefs go in clear-out Sports bosses sacked in shake-up
(41 minutes later)
Ministers have ordered a clear-out at the top of Scotland's national sporting agencies. Ministers have ordered a clear-out at the top of Scotland's two national sporting agencies.
Both sportscotland chairwoman Julia Bracewell and Institute of Sport chairman Dougie Donnelly are to step down. Sportscotland chairwoman Julia Bracewell, as well as Institute of Sport chairman, broadcaster Dougie Donnelly, have been sacked.
It follows the Scottish Government's decision to merge the boards of the two organisations. The move followed the Scottish Government's decision to merge the boards of the organisations.
The merger was embroiled in controversy when it was announced last week after details went to the media before MSPs. Mr Donnelly said athletes' prospects would be damaged by a "ridiculous" piece of political manoeuvring.
Mr Donnelly and Ms Bracewell will formally stand down on 15 February and an interim chairman of sportscotland will be appointed from the current board. Mr Donnelly told BBC Scotland he had been asked to quit - and had not stepped down by choice - while Ms Bracewell, a former Olympic fencer, added that she was "disappointed" by the moves.
This is a time of considerable change, not only for sportscotland, but also for Scottish sport as a whole Stewart MaxwellSport MinisterThis is a time of considerable change, not only for sportscotland, but also for Scottish sport as a whole Stewart MaxwellSport Minister
The search for a permanent chairman will begin "as soon as possible," the Scottish Government said. Mr Donnelly and Ms Bracewell will formally stand down on 15 February and an interim chairman of sportscotland will be appointed from the current board as the search begins for a permanent replacement "as soon as possible".
Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell told parliament last week that the merger would create a single, streamlined national organisation for sport. The merger was embroiled in controversy when it was announced last week after details went to the media before MSPs.
Its remit will be widened to include the SIS's role of fostering world-class athletic talent. The SNP, whose election manifesto included a commitment to scrap sportscotland, were accused of a U-turn.
Last week's announcement triggered opposition taunts of a U-turn by the SNP, whose election manifesto had included a commitment to scrap sportscotland. Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell paid tribute to the "positive contribution" Mr Donnelly and Ms Bracewell had played in developing sport.
I am extremely passionate about Scottish sport and believe we have made significant progress Julia Bracewellsportscotland
Mr Maxwell paid tribute to the "positive contribution" Mr Donnelly and Ms Bracewell had played in developing sport.
He said: "This is a time of considerable change, not only for sportscotland, but also for Scottish sport as a whole.He said: "This is a time of considerable change, not only for sportscotland, but also for Scottish sport as a whole.
"The new organisation will drive forward this government's policy of simplifying the sporting landscape, ensuring the interests of sport remain paramount, and the whole nation benefits.""The new organisation will drive forward this government's policy of simplifying the sporting landscape, ensuring the interests of sport remain paramount, and the whole nation benefits."
Ms Bracewell said: "I am extremely passionate about Scottish sport and believe we have made significant progress, acting at all times in the best interest of Scottish sport.Ms Bracewell said: "I am extremely passionate about Scottish sport and believe we have made significant progress, acting at all times in the best interest of Scottish sport.
"Above all I hope to see sport capitalise on all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead particularly with the Commonwealth Games in 2014."