QUALITY MEAT Scotland has appointed Alan Clarke as its new chief executive.

Mr Clarke, who is the current chief executive of Scottish Bakers, will take over from Uel Morton, who will step down in July 2017, after 11 years in the role.

Taking up his position with Scottish Bakers six years ago, Mr Clarke's career has also included five years’ experience as director of Lifelong Learning UK, and ten years as chief executive of a sector training council, in Northern Ireland.

His academic career includes an MBA and post-graduate diplomas in management studies and personnel management.

Jim McLaren, chairman of QMS, said the appointment followed a "robust" recruitment process.

He commented: “We look forward to welcoming Alan on board this summer.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience, in both the private and public sectors, and a strong skillset including governance, finance, project management, people management and IT skills.

“His background also includes a strong commercial focus and a valuable track record of building lasting professional business relationships at senior level with funders including Government agencies, customers and other key stakeholders.”

Mr McLaren also extended his "sincere thanks" to Uel Morton for his "huge contribution over the past decade to the development of QMS", saying he will leave the organisation in a very strong position, to move forward.