The woman who holds the top job at Argyll and Bute Council has today been announced as the new chief executive of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla).
Sally Loudon, chief executive of the Argyll council, will succeed Rory Mair, Cosla chief executive, who retires on Friday.
Mrs Loudon was chosen by Cosla’s staffing committee which comprises the presidential team and political group leaders.
The whole appointment process was overseen by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Solace).
Mrs Loudon said: “I am grateful for all the work, progress and successes we have delivered together in the seven years that I have been with Argyll and Bute Council.
“Argyll and Bute is an amazing area and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to building the prosperous future it deserves.”
In a message to council employees, she added: “This Council benefits from hard working, skilled and dedicated employees and I know you will continue to achieve change where it is needed.
“There is a lot of work still to be done before I leave in May but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all we have been able to achieve together.”
Council Leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, added his congratulations. He said: “Sally has been a real asset to Argyll and Bute. She has guided us through times of challenge and change, and has played a very significant part in opening up new opportunities for our organisation and, of course, the communities we serve.
“While we are absolutely delighted at her success, it goes without saying that she will be very much missed.
“We wish her all the very best in this exciting new role and we have every confidence that she will approach this new challenge with the same drive, determination and vision that has benefited Argyll and Bute Council since she joined us in 2008.”