A highly-rated head teacher who came through South Ayrshire's ranks has bagged the council's top education job.
Lyndsay McRoberts will become new schools' chief for the region – replacing Douglas Hutchison after his departure earlier this month.
Mrs McRoberts, who was South Ayrshire's first-ever executive head teacher leading both Kyle and Ayr academies, left the local authority in 2017 to become head at Duncanrig Secondary in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire.
But the former Kingcase Primary and Prestwick Academy pupil returns home after being appointed director of education at County Buildings.
She is currently a non-executive board member of Education Scotland and an advisory council member of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Mrs McRoberts is also an associate assessor for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education.
The new boss, who will start her role prior to the Easter break, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to this role and very much looking forward to returning to South Ayrshire.
"There is a strong story of success across education in South Ayrshire and it is a privilege to be returning to work alongside education colleagues, young people, parents/carers and communities to build on this."
Councillor William Grant, schools' spokesman, added: "I am delighted that Lyndsay is returning to South Ayrshire to take on the role of director of education.
"I consider her to be an inspirational leader with a proven track record in boosting attainment.
"She is well respected in South Ayrshire and I have no doubt she will hit the ground running."
Council leader Peter Henderson added: “This is a welcome appointment.
"Lyndsay has so much experience at a national and local level and will be pivotal when it comes to giving children and young people the best start in life.
"We’re already the best in Scotland when it comes to positive destinations for school leavers and Lyndsay is sure to help build on this success."
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