East Ayrshire Council's head of education has announced that he will retire in March 2018.

Alan Ward's decision has prompted reaction from council members and management and will result in a nationwide search to fill his post.

East Ayrshire Council's chief executive Fiona Lees said: "I fully respect Alan's decision to retire at 60.

"He's a dedicated family man and I'm well aware this has been a personal milestone for him for some time.

"As a former Kilmarnock footballer, Alan's work ethic and commitment to teamwork is always exemplary and he carries the same ethos into his career in education.

"He has an outstanding record both as a teacher and as head teacher of St Josephs Academy and as Head of Education he has worked tirelessly to boost attainment and to make sure all our young people have every opportunity to succeed in school, work and in life."