Robb has close links with the town from which the charity was named

Former OSCR chief executive David Robb has been appointed as the new chair of Aberlour.

Robb, who had an eight year tenure heading up the regulator from 2011-2018, was born in the Moray town of Aberlour and replaces sector stalwart Val Surgenor.

She has decided to step down after having been chair since 2014 and a member of the board since 2009.

Since January 2019 Robb has been the chief executive of the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

He said: “It is a great honour and privilege to have been selected to succeed Val Surgenor as Aberlour’s next Chair. These are very difficult times for many of Scotland’s children and young people, so the charity faces some big challenges.

“There are however huge opportunities too, as we adjust to the ‘new normal’. Val will leave an impressive legacy, and we have a strong senior team in place. Aberlour has a long, proud history, and I look forward to working with our staff, volunteers and stakeholders and helping steer the charity through the next few years as we rise to the challenges together.”

Aberlour was formed over 145 years ago, initially as an orphanage. It is now one of Scotland's leading children's care organisations.

SallyAnn Kelly, chief executive of Aberlour added: “In the period that David has been with Aberlour so far he has shown that he will be a great chair for Aberlour. We already have an array of skilled and committed contributors within the Aberlour board and David will complement and support their huge contribution to Aberlour.

"I look forward to working closely with David in his role as chair. “