TRADE body Scottish Renewables has appointed Claire Mack, who currently works for the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and was employed previously by telecoms regulator Ofcom, as its new chief executive.

Ms Mack, who is director of policy and place at SCDI, will succeed Niall Stuart.

Scottish Renewables announced in March that Mr Stuart would step down as chief executive during the summer. It said then that Mr Stuart would be setting up his own consultancy focused on strategic communications, policy development and regulatory affairs.

Patricia Hawthorn, who chairs Scottish Renewables, said: “Claire showed a real energy and a clear vision for our organisation and the sectors we are here to represent. We are looking forward to working with Claire and the wider team at this time of both major challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s renewable energy sector.”

Ms Mack said: “The role of the sector in driving wider economic growth in Scotland is evident, and the opportunity to build on the expertise in innovation already here is very exciting. I’m looking forward to helping to secure the best possible environment for the industry to thrive in.”