The director of the BBC's Scottish Symphony Orchestra is to become the new chief of one of Scotland's national orchestras.

Gavid Reid is to be the new chief executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) and will succeed Roy McEwan who is to retire after 23 years in the post.

Born and educated in Edinburgh, Mr Reid said: "I am enormously thrilled to take up this post with the SCO after 10 wonderful years at the BBC SSO.

"I am passionate about music and the arts and the extraordinary opportunities that they can offer to everyone.

"I am particularly excited by the crucial and influential role that the SCO plays within Scotland and I look forward to working closely with players, staff, artists and all of the SCO’s supporters to build on the fantastic achievements of recent years, as led by Roy McEwan.”

Mr McEwan will hand over to Mr Reid during the summer before he fully retires at the end of August.

His final Season Concerts as Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra are performances of Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Symphony and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Emmanuel Krivine in Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow from 11 – 13 May.

Mr Reid will remain in post at the BBC SSO until Donald Runnicles performs his final concert as Principal Conductor – Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder, on Sunday 28 August at the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Festival ends with the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert performed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on Monday 29 August, which now also symbolises the ‘changing of the guard’.

Mr McEwan said: “I am delighted to be collaborating with Gavin over the summer to ensure a smooth handover from one Chief Executive to the next.

"I’ve no doubt that he will bring great experience, flair and devotion to the next stage of the SCO’s story.

"He is joining a wonderful orchestra full of talented and committed musicians and staff and I wish him well in taking them forward."

Colin Buchan, chairman of the SCO, added: "On behalf of the entire orchestra I am delighted to welcome Gavin Reid.

"I am confident he shares our commitment to artistic excellence and he has already proved that he can lead confidently, influentially and effectively.

"We all wish Roy much happiness in his retirement and we can’t thank him enough for the creative journey on which he has taken the Orchestra."

Mr Reid studied for two years at Napier College, he went on to study the trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, during which time he was a member of the European Community Youth Orchestra.

He pursued a playing and teaching career based in the North West of England.

He was Principal Trumpet with Manchester Camerata from 1989-2001 and was also responsible for developing their extensive education and outreach programme between 1996 and 2001.

Mr Reid stopped playing the trumpet in 2001 to concentrate on management and in 2002 was appointed General Manager of Manchester Camerata.

In 2006 he became director of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Donalda Mackinnon, head of programmes and services at BBC Scotland said: "Gavin has been a tremendous leader and advocate for the SSO and for BBC Scotland and we will miss him greatly.

"I am delighted, however, that he that will continue to work in Arts and Classical Music management in Scotland, by beginning a new role as CEO of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

"In that capacity, I am sure that he will continue to do what we know he does best - nurturing creative relationships on behalf of audiences, performers and composers, opening music up to new and more diverse audiences, and being a wonderful cultural ambassador for Scotland."

She added: "During his tenure, Gavin has overseen national and international tours for the Orchestra, including spectacular visits to India and China most recently.

"He has also brought highly acclaimed international names in classical music to Scotland, for live performances and broadcasts.  

"He has also been the driving force behind the SSO’s innovative outreach programme, highlights of which include many contributions to Ten Pieces.  He also played a key role in consolidating the Orchestra’s home at the City Halls."