Anna Signeul, the head coach of Scotland's women's national team, is to step down from her role this summer.

Signeul will leave her post after taking Scotland to their first major finals, joining Finland after the conclusion of the European Championships.

The 55-year-old Swede only recently extended her contract to take her through to the summer.

Since joining the Scottish FA in 2005, Signeul has been instrumental in the rise of the women's game in the country and Euro 2017 will represent a high point after working with the first team and in player development.

"Firstly, I would like to say that after 12 great years in Scotland I am proud that this squad have made the journey to their first-ever European Championships," she said.

"This was a wonderful achievement and one that has been thoroughly deserved.

"These players are dedicated, professional and have overcome adversity to become the formidable players they are, individually and collectively.

"The support of the clubs in ensuring we continue to develop an elite environment for the players has been a really humbling experience for me.

"The volume of work undertaken by the volunteers in the clubs is immense. I would like to thank the players, clubs and parents for their support."

She continued: "Scotland and its people will always have a very special place in my heart.

"I felt it was important to clarify my future now so that we can prepare without any distractions.

"We have an intensive programme of fixtures and while it has been a terrific achievement to reach the finals, we are determined to go there and make an impact.

"The focus for the players and staff is on the Euros and we know there is a lot of work to be done to prepare the team for the tournament in the Netherlands."

Signeul added: "Now that I have explained to the players the reasons for leaving and taking up an offer to coach Finland, we will concentrate on making sure we are in the best condition possible for the finals.

"I would like to thank our chief Executive, Stewart Regan and our president, Alan McRae, for their support for girls' and women's football in Scotland.

"I will leave Scotland with fond memories but I am convinced the greatest memories lie ahead in the coming months."

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said: "Anna will rightly be lauded for taking the first Scotland women's national team to a major finals and that legacy is richly deserved.

"More than that, though, she has worked tirelessly and to raise standards at all levels of the women's game and to increase opportunities for girls and women across the country.

"She has been an inspiration and I have no doubt she will burnish that legacy during the UEFA Euro finals in Netherlands."

SFA performance director Malky Mackay will now begin the search for Signeul's successor.