TROUBLED public transport body, Lothian Buses, is seeking a "solutions focused and visionary" managing director to "provide leadership" for the organisation in the wake of bitter warring between its executives.

The publicly-funded bus company, where operates the majority of services in the capital, has advertised for a Managing Director to head up Lothian Buses and its subsidiary companies.

Applicants have until October 4 to apply with the successful candidate due to be appointed before the end of the year.

The job specification states: "We are seeking an innovative, solutions focused and visionary Managing Director to provide leadership for Lothian Buses and its subsidiary companies. Ensuring continued profitability and driving improvements in the customer experience, you will lead the organisation through significant organisational change."

The post holder will go on to "create a dynamic and 'fit for purpose' organisational structure" and must have "experience of successfully driving organisational change".

The shake-up comes as current directors Ian Craig, Norman Strachan, Bill Campbell and Bill Devlin prepare to leave within two years following an embarrassing boardroom tussle between the men which was played out in the media.

A series of confidential leaks ended with allegations made against Mr Craig, but an investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing.

All four were stripped of their annual bonuses, totalling £200,000, following the debacle and the bonus system scrapped entirely.

Accounts submitted to Companies House in August revealed that Lothian Buses revenue in 2014 was up by 2.3 per cent to £135 million. However, its pre-tax profits fell from £11.7m to £10.1m.

The company is owned mainly by City of Edinburgh Council, with small stakes held by neighbouring Lothian councils.

Candidates are being sought for a new chief executive at Transport for Edinburgh, which oversees Lothian Buses, and a general manager for Edinburgh Trams.