Charity was set up by former special forces soldier

OSCR has ordered a charity to strengthen its governance after concerns were raised over expsenses.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator investigated Breaking Global Chains – formerly named PAH18 - in 2019 after its founder, former SBS soldier Dean Stott, incurred expenses of up to £400,000 during a 14,000-mile cycle from Argentina to Alaska.

The inquiry was on the back of cheating allegations, after Stott allegedly broke short the 99-day trek to ensure he returned to Britain in time to attend Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018.

The former soldier struck up a friendship with Prince Harry during military training in 2007.

His cycling feat took 18 days off the record for riding the length of the Pan-American Highway. The challenge hit ­controversy when it was claimed Stott fell out with his support crew.

The report concluded: “On taking into account the steps the charity trustees have already taken to improve the way in which the charity operates, OSCR determined that the most appropriate course of action was to provide recommendations to support the charity function better in the future.

“Our recommendations focus on the areas of weaknesses we identified and we will monitor the progress made by the charity putting these recommendations into practice.”

A PAH18 Scotland spokesman said: “The charity was pleased that OSCR ­concluded that there had been no ­misconduct or impropriety and is ­grateful for its continuing assistance to help it to ensure its operations meet the very ­highest standards.”