Gail Parata, from New Zealand, has been appointed Scotland national coach, writes Kathy May.

From Porirua, Wellington in the North Island, she is a "carded coach" in her native country which means she has been identified as a potential future coach of the Silver Ferns, the national team currently ranked No.1 in the world. She has been involved in the sport at top level for 24 years, first as a member of the Silver Fern for 14 years and then as a high performance coach for the past 10. She was assistant coach to the Silver Ferns in season 2012/13 when they won all matches against their main rivals Australia, England and South Africa. Parata will move to Scotland with her partner and their four-year-old daughter to take up the post on April 18. Her main focus will be to prepare the Scottish Thistles for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. Her first chance to see them in action will be in Aberdeen at Netball Europe from May 31- June 2.

Gail Parata, from New Zealand, has been appointed Scotland national coach. From Porirua, Wellington in the North Island, she is a "carded coach" in her native country which means she has been identified as a potential future coach of the Silver Ferns, the national team currently ranked No.1 in the world. She has been involved in the sport at top level for 24 years, first as a member of the Silver Fern for 14 years and then as a high performance coach for the past 10. She was assistant coach to the Silver Ferns in season 2012/13 when they won all matches against their main rivals Australia, England and South Africa. Parata will move to Scotland with her partner and their four-year-old daughter to take up the post on April 18. Her main focus will be to prepare the Scottish Thistles for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. Her first chance to see them in action will be in Aberdeen at Netball Europe from May 31- June 2.