THE new chief executive at Clackmannanshire Council is “optimistic” about emerging opportunities and is “realistic” about the challenges the Wee County faces.

Nikki Bridle, former depute chief, has taken the responsibilities on following the departure of Elaine McPherson in April and a string of interviews in front of a panel.

Originally from Halifax, she joined the council around eight years ago as director of finance and corporate services.

Nikki was already serving as acting chief while all the candidates were being considered.

Following the announcement, she said: “I consider myself very fortunate to have been appointed to serve as chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council.

“I am very optimistic about the future and the many emerging opportunities that have the potential to deliver huge benefits for the area, while also being realistic about the challenges we face.

“I’m extremely positive about the great support already evident from partners and staff, and working together with our elected members, I hope to build on this support to deliver great benefits for all our communities in Clackmannanshire.”

All political views were represented on the committee which chose her with each group sending a representative to interviews and meetings.

SNP council leader Councillor Ellen Forson congratulated the new chief executive and said: “I know that she has a detailed knowledge of our local area and I am looking forward to working with her to ensure Clackmannanshire Council becomes the sustainable organisation it requires to be in these financially challenging times.

“A rigorous recruitment process was undertaken to ensure that we selected the right candidate for the position and I am grateful for the work of the appointments committee and our independent advisor in helping us reach this decision.”

Labour group leader Cllr Dave Clark scored each applicant on qualities he thought would make for the best chief executive.

He said: “Nikki came top out of all the candidates we evaluated.

“I believed her qualities of leadership, her ability to cast a vision, her understanding of strategy were very strong.

“We also need someone, as a chief executive, who is prepared to make hard decisions and to stand by these decisions when the going gets tough.

“It’s my view that Nikki has these qualities.”

Indeed, Clackmannanshire Council could be facing a funding gap of around £12million in the next financial year and it is anticipated the situation will not improve for a number of years.

Conservative group leader Cllr Bill Mason said: “I am extremely pleased to congratulate Nikki Bridle on her appointment as chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council.

“The appointment committee and the assessment panel considered a wide range of serious candidates for the post and the selection process was rightly challenging for all of the final applicants.

“Nikki Bridle demonstrated strengths, determination, commitment and vision for Clackmannanshire, and was the unanimous choice of the appointments committee.

“On behalf of the council Conservative group, I look forward to working with our chief executive for the benefit of all in Clackmannanshire and wish Nikki all the very best in her appointment.

“The road ahead has many difficulties, and I am confident that officers and councillors will strive together to make Clackmannanshire better.”