CLACKMANNANSHIRE'S new chief education officer says he is aiming to provide excellent services for children, young people and their families.

Colin Bruce has recently started in his new role as the new chief education officer for Clacks and will work alongside current interim chief education officer Cathy Quinn until she retires at the end of August.

He spent the past five years as headteacher at Alloa Academy, having trained as a teacher of Design and Technology and gained experience in leadership positions within Pupil Support (Guidance and ASN) and as a senior manager in three secondary schools in Fife.

Colin said: "I am very proud to be part of a strong and forward-thinking team at Clackmannanshire Council, who share my passion for empowering our communities and improving experiences and outcome for children and families.

"I have relished being headteacher at Alloa Academy over the past five years and I am very proud of the school and the community.

"It is an exciting time in education across Scotland. In my new role I aim to provide excellent services for children, young people, families and communities.

"I am fully committed to lifelong learning, giving children the best possible start in life as they progress from nursery to school and beyond."

Cllr Graham Lindsay, the council's spokesperson for education, added: "It's great to have Colin on board and I look forward to working with him to support our learners of all ages to be the best they can be.

"My thanks also go to Cathy Quinn and the team for their hard work over a challenging couple of years."