JAMES Anderson, manager of the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust, is to take a six-month sabbatical from running the £2.2 billion fund to write a book on growth investing.

Mr Anderson has become one of the most well known faces at Edinburgh fund manager Baillie Gifford since taking over the trust in 2006. He has built a concentrated portfolio focused on emerging markets and technology stocks.

When he leaves in July, Tom Slater, who has been his deputy on the trust since 2009, will oversee the fund.

A Baillie Gifford spokesman said: "James Anderson will be taking a six-month sabbatical from July 2013 to write a book on growth investing.

"James will return to his previous roles at Baillie Gifford on his return."