Scottish Enterprise has named Steve Dunlop as its new chief executive.

Mr Dunlop replaces Lena Wilson, who stood down last year. He is currently chief executive of Scottish Canals.

When he joins the government agency in May he will receive a salary of £168,000, making him one of the highest paid civil servants in the country.

Welcoming the appointment, economy minister Keith Brown said: “Steve is one of the most passionate and entrepreneurial leaders we have in Scotland and I am delighted he has accepted the role to lead Scottish Enterprise working in close collaboration with national and local partners to deliver a more joined up economic development system across Scotland.”

Mr Dunlop has been the driving force that has transformed Scotland’s inland waterways, including Helix Park and the Kelpies in Falkirk, to the revitalisation of North Glasgow.