BBC Scotland reporter James Cook, a key media figure in the independence referendum and current election campaign, is to take up a new post in the US.

The reporter, who has been Scotland correspondent for BBC News since 2008, will take on the role of Los Angeles correspondent later this summer.

Revealing the news, Cook tweeted: "From Holyrood to Hollywood. I'm starting a new job as Los Angeles Correspondent for BBC News later this summer. Exciting!"

His fellow reporter Laura Bicker is also moving stateside, taking on a new role in Washington DC.

A BBC Scotland spokeswoman said the moves were "recognition of the terrific work they have done over the past few years".

Cook, who has presented both Reporting Scotland and Good Morning Scotland, presented an election debate between the Scottish party leaders earlier this month and also presented a number of programmes in the lead up to the referendum.