National arts body boss unveiled

Mr Brown was chairman of Lloyds TSB until May

The vice president of the Edinburgh International Festival has been appointed to spearhead the creation of a new national arts body.

Ewan Brown was named chairman of Creative Scotland, which is intended to replace the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.

Plans for the new body were defeated in the Scottish Parliament in June.

But the Scottish Government is to resurrect the proposal as part of a new public services bill.

Mr Brown, who will not be paid for the new role, said he would step down from the position if parliament establishes the limited company as a statutory body next year.

He has a background in business and was chairman of Lloyds TSB Scotland until May, and is now serving as a non-executive director.

He is also senior governor of the Court of the University of St Andrews and non-executive director with transport firm Stagecoach Group and merchant bank Noble Grossart.

Mr Brown said: "Creative Scotland represents a real opportunity to better serve and better appreciate Scotland's creative community.

"My focus will be on developing the role, remit and structure of this new organisation and establishing strong working relationships with other key bodies to support and nurture our creative sector."

Announcing the appointment, Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said: "As we enter the final phase of setting up Creative Scotland, I am confident that Ewan Brown will be an effective advocate of its aspirations to make Scotland a truly creative nation, valued at home and recognised abroad."