LLOYDS Banking Group has appointed an experienced director to a newly created role heading its 295 Bank of Scotland retail branches.

Robin Bulloch moves from managing director of general insurance to his new post on January 1, subject to FSA approval.

Previously he has held senior roles at Royal Bank of Scotland and Tesco Personal Finance.

Mr Bulloch, who will be based in Edinburgh, will also become deputy chairman of the Lloyds Scottish executive committee.

Mr Bulloch said: "I look forward to working with the Scottish executive committee to continue to support Scotland's economy and communities."