Chief executive leaves Sport Aberdeen amid charity watchdog investigation

The chief executive of Sport Aberdeen has left amid a charity watchdog investigation.

Since its establishment in 2010, Sport Aberdeen has managed 34 venues and provided a range of physical activities across the north-east on behalf of Aberdeen City Council.

In March of this year, the local authority announced the body would receive £3.8m of investment along with a further £600,000 for Aberdeen Sports Village as part of its 2026/27 budget.

Stock image of a dumbbell rack at a gym.

North East & Tayside

Charity watchdog launches probe into council-funded sporting body

Sport Aberdeen has managed 34 venues and provided various activities throughout the north-east on behalf of Aberdeen City Council

On May 11, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) opened a formal inquiry into the business’s operations after it was made aware of “concerns”.

It has since been confirmed that chief executive Keith Heslop is no longer employed by the leisure body.

His appointment as a director of the charity was terminated on May 19, according to documents filed with Companies House.

It has been confirmed that the interim staffing arrangements will remain in place.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Keith Heslop is no longer employed by Sport Aberdeen as of May 19, 2026.

“The current interim staffing arrangements will remain in place for the time being. We will not be making any further comment and will not discuss staff matters.”