Sports post for Games bid chief

Louise Martin led Glasgow's successful Commonwealth Games bid

The woman who led Scotland's successful bid to bring the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow has been appointed as the new chairwoman of sportscotland.

Louise Martin, a former international swimmer, will take up her new post next month.

It follows the controversial merging of sportscotland and the Scottish Institute of Sport earlier this year.

Her appointment has been welcomed by Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell as a "significant step".

Mr Maxwell added: "This is an exciting time for Scottish sport and I am delighted that Louise Martin CBE, a leading figure in the industry, will be chairing our newly streamlined national body."

Ms Martin said she believed the organisation had "a significant role to play in driving Scottish sport forwards".

She added: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to take up the position of chair at this crucial time for the organisation, as it prepares to relocate to Glasgow and, at the same time, ensure it is well placed to lead the delivery of a sporting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games."

Her appointment was also welcomed by sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris.