SHONA HASLAM is stepping down as leader of Scottish Borders Council, it has been announced.

The Conservative councillor for Tweeddale East was appointed as head of the council in 2017.

But she is now set to step away from the role to lead a new think tank “that focuses on how we build a stronger community in Scotland for the future”.

She will remain an elected member for Tweeddale East until the local government election in May next year.

Elected members will choose a new leader at the full council meeting on November 25.

Mrs Haslam said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as council leader over the last four years. We have achieved so much including the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the launch of South of Scotland Enterprise, destination play parks, and iPads to all of our learners through the award winning Inspire Learning programme.

“It has not been an easy four years either with serious floods in our towns, a fire at Peebles High School and of course COVID-19. Our communities have joined forces and pulled together in all of these challenges and to see how this has happened has been one of the best things about this role.

“I am not leaving the public sector, or politics, and will be leading a new think tank in Scotland that focuses on how we build a stronger community in Scotland for the future.

“I am excited about the future and the opportunities it holds and know that the Scottish Borders is going to continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Council convener David Parker said: "I would like to thank Shona for her work as leader over the past four years and congratulate her on all she has achieved. She has made an enormous contribution to the Scottish Borders.

“The focus she has placed on mental health and the huge amount of work she carried out on Inspire Learning in our schools are just two of the things I think she deserves great credit for.

“As the first female leader of this council she will have a special place in its history.

“I look forward to welcoming and working with the new leader after the council meeting later this month."