The chief executive of North Ayrshire Council has been appointed the new Chair of Young Scot.

Elma Murray, who was appointed to her role in the council in 2009, takes over the position from Sue Bruce, who has been the Chair for the past five years.

The new chair is also director of the Urban Regeneration Company, and a member of both the Wood Commission National Advisory Group and the Invest in Scotland's Young Workforce Group.

She has contributed to a number of key improvements within the council, including conomic development, youth employment and delivering children's services.

Previously, Elma has held several senior positions including Chair of SOLACE, depute director of finance and head of service reform at Glasgow City Council, along with Head of IT Services at North Ayrshire Council and at Strathclyde Police.

Elma said: "I'd like to thank Sue Bruce for her leadership over the past five years, Sue has been a brilliant Chair and Young Scot is in excellent shape under her stewardship.

"Young Scot is an amazing organisation that is doing so many different things to help the young people of Scotland.

"I'm passionate about empowering young people and I'm excited to be working with my fellow Board member, Vice Chair Abbie Wilson and the team at Young Scot to create even more opportunities for the young people of Scotland."

Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said: "Elma brings with her a wealth of experience in creating exceptional services that benefit young people and overseeing major digital projects.

"Both are hugely important areas for Young Scot right now and in the future.

"We are all looking forward to working with Elma on the next chapter of Young Scot's story and I'd like to personally thank Sue for her exceptional leadership and hard work over the past five years."