Dr Ron Culley will take up the role in April, following the departure of Alice Harper.

Health and social care charity Quarriers has announced the appointment of its new chief executive officer.

Dr Ron Culley will take up the role following the departure of Alice Harper, who has helmed the charity for the past seven years.

Dr Culley is currently chief officer with the Western Isles Health and Social Care Partnership, a position he has held for the last four years.

Previously, he worked in a variety of positions including chief officer health and social care at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

Announcing the appointment, Quarrier’s board chair Tom Scholes said: ““Ron has made a major impact in shaping health and social care integration in the Western Isles and has an in-depth understanding of the care sector across Scotland and beyond. We are delighted he is joining us as our next CEO to drive forward our development as one of Scotland’s leading health and social care charities.

“On behalf of the board of trustees, I’d also like to thank our departing CEO Alice Harper for her major contribution to Quarriers over the last seven years and to wish her every success in the future.”

Dr Culley added: “Quarriers does tremendous work providing practical care and support for vulnerable children, adults and families across the country.

“I feel privileged to have been appointed to head this organisation and I very much look forward to meeting the people we support and working with the board, staff and volunteers to further improve the services Quarriers provides to those who face challenging circumstances.”

Dr Culley will take up his new role with the charity in April.