A 27-year-old solicitor from Falkirk has been appointed as one of the most senior volunteers in Girlguiding nationally. Emma Guthrie has taken on the prestigious role of assistant chief guide, and will help lead the charity’s 100,000 volunteers across the UK. Emma, who has been involved in guiding since she was a Brownie, will work to engage with, support and listen to volunteers as well as inspire girls and young women. She will assist chief guide Amanda Medler, who was appointed earlier this year.

A charity chief executive has stepped down for family reasons. Children 1st’s Alison Todd is leaving the organisation after nine years, following a period of adoption leave. Mary Glasgow, who has been serving as interim chief executive while Todd was on leave, will continue in the post until a new boss is recruited.

Tom Brock, the chief executive of the five-star Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, has announced his retirement after almost 20 years at the helm. Driven by his passion for wildlife, the centre plays a key role in environmental education and conservation, raising awareness of the spectacular wildlife in the area and is an award-winning five star tourist attraction contributing significantly to the local economy. He will step down early next month.