Editing Donald Dewar (section)

=== 2000 SQA examinations controversy ===
{{Main articles|2000 SQA examinations controversy}}
The introduction in Scotland of the reformed examinations system in 2000 was criticised in the press and by the Government after a series of administrative and computer errors led to several thousand incorrect [[Higher (Scottish)|Higher]] and Intermediate certificates being sent out by post. In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Dewar stated he "greatly regrets" the errors made by the SQA but assured the parliament that he was aware that "many people are working hard to put matters right". Dewar announced that independent consultants had been drafted in by the Scottish Executive to investigate the issue.<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC News {{!}} SCOTLAND {{!}} Dewar sets out his course |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/880013.stm |website=news.bbc.co.uk |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref>

The crisis took several months to resolve, and several management figures including the [[Chief executive officer|Chief Executive]], Ron Tuck, resigned or lost their jobs as a result.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Millar |first1=Stuart |title=Exams head quits as crisis deepens |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/aug/13/education.educationnews |website=The Observer |access-date=5 November 2024 |date=13 August 2000}}</ref>

On 15 August 2000, it was announced that several senior officials with the [[Scottish Qualification Authority]] (SQA) would be facing disciplinary action as a result of the error. ''[[BBC News]]'' suggested that Chief Executive Ron Tuck and the Minister for Education [[Sam Galbraith]] were "kept in the dark" about the problems. It had been announced that concerns were raised months prior to the error being made that exam results would not be ready when expected but assurances continued to be provided that results would be issued on time and when expected. Bill Morton became the new Chief Executive of the SQA, the organisations third in only five days, and upon his appointment said that the reassessing of exam results was his priority and that of the SQA.<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC News {{!}} SCOTLAND {{!}} SQA chiefs face disciplinary action |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/881115.stm |website=news.bbc.co.uk |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref>