Andrew Thin joined the board on April 1 and brings a wealth of experience to the role being both the former chairman of both Scottish Natural Heritage and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

It is hoped this experience will help Scottish Canals create a brighter future for the people who live, work and do business along the Forth & Clyde as well as the Monkland and Union Canals in the Lowlands and Caledonian and Crinan Canals in the Highlands.

Mr Thin, who will fill the role for three years, said: “Despite only being in existence for 18 months, Scottish Canals has already started to make an incredible contribution to Scotland and the passion and commitment of its staff is clear for all to see.

“Continuing to safeguard the rich heritage of these 250-year-old assets and yet investing in innovative projects which regenerate the canal corridors can only be great news for canalside communities and Scotland as a whole.

“Scottish Canals is a dynamic and ambitious organisation with a clear vision for the future. I am thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time and I look forward to working with staff and partners to deliver lasting change on and along the nation’s increasingly vibrant waterways.”