Sarah Smith has been appointed as the BBC’s first Scotland Editor, a new role for the corporation.
Ms Smith previously worked in Edinburgh, Washington and London for Channel 4 News, and returned to the BBC last year to present BBC Scotland’s current affairs TV programme, Scotland 2014, in the run up to the independence referendum.
She will begin work at the new post in the New Year.
She said: "I am delighted to be appointed as the BBC's first Scotland Editor.
"It's a very exciting opportunity at a time when Scottish affairs are so important to our understanding of the whole of the UK.
"I'm looking forward to working with an excellent team who will ensure our coverage of events in Scotland engages our audience across the UK and beyond."The Herald:
Ms Smith began her career at BBC Scotland as a graduate production trainee, starting out on Good Morning Scotland and Head On, and also worked in Northern Ireland on Spotlight and Inside Ulster.
As Scotland Correspondent for Channel 4 News she covered the first elections to the Scottish Parliament.
She then became a regular presenter on the programme, and was the launch presenter of More4News.
Ms Smith is the eldest daughter of the late Labour Party leader, John Smith.
Gary Smith, who also starts his new role in January, will be BBC Scotland's new head of news.
He said Ms Smith's "insight and analysis will strengthen the BBC's ability to report on the changing face of Scotland and how that impacts across the rest of the UK."
"I’m very pleased that Sarah is joining our top class team in Glasgow," he added.
"Her experience, knowledge and enthusiasm will be invaluable."
The BBC said the new role will "help reflect the re-alignment of UK politics following the General Election in May this year."
The corporation hopes the role will provide coverage and analysis of "significant stories for the pan-UK audience across all network output" including the Six and Ten O’Clock News, the Today programme, the radio bulletins and the BBC News website.
Jonathan Munro, head of newsgathering, said: "Sarah is a world class journalist and analyst whose heart is in Scotland.
"I'm thrilled that she has agreed to join the network reporting team north of the border for BBC audiences across the UK and beyond. Sarah and the rest of the on-air team will provide unrivalled coverage of a critical period ahead for Scotland."