The new chief executive of the Scottish SPCA has visited the charity's Ayrshire centre.

Kirsteen Campbell was able to meet the 36 animals currently looking for new homes.

She joins Scotland's animal welfare charity at a time when calls to its helpline have risen to an all-time high of almost a quarter of a million calls a year.

Centre manager Marion Hainey said: "It's been fantastic showing Kirsteen around our centre and introducing her to our team.

"At the moment we have 36 animals in our care that have all sorts of different needs.

"While Kirsteen was here she got to meet the lovely Hans, a domestic short hair cat, who has been in our care for 204 days.

"Hans is a lovely older boy who is looking for a loving home to laze around and be spoiled in.

"This year we've rehomed 119 animals and it was a pleasure to show our new chief executive first-hand the work that goes on behind the scenes."

Ms Campbell said: "I was delighted to be able to go out and meet some of the team today - their enthusiasm, passion and commitment to the society and the animals in their care is inspiring.

"I'm looking forward to visiting the rest of our centres and meeting the more of the team. There remains a growing demand for the vital services of the Scottish SPCA and I'm delighted to be part of such an invaluable organisation."