Social enterprise Elevator, which supports those looking to start or grow a business has appointed board member Rachel Ross as chief executive.

She will succeed Professor Gary McEwan who will step down in March after 20 years growing the organisation.

Ms Ross has experience as a business owner and non-executive director.

She said: “I am honoured to step into this role at such an exciting time for Elevator. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a team that we believe creates a profound and lasting impact in the many diverse communities we serve.

“As an SME business owner myself, I fully understand how critical entrepreneurship is to Scotland’s economy.

“Supporting ideas, innovations, and ambitions, while helping SMEs seize transformational growth opportunities, has never been more vital than it is now.”