Former Edinburgh City Council leader Andrew Burns has been named in the voluntary role

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has appointed a new convener.

Former Edinburgh City Council leader Andrew Burns has been announced as the man who will help provide leadership for Scotland’s third sector.

He said: “I am so pleased to be taking on this role at a time when civil society space and socially progressive movements everywhere are under pressure, but needed more than ever. SCVO has an established position and track record, and I’m excited about contributing to its future strategy for and with Scotland’s charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.”

The former Labour councillor stepped aside from politics ahead of last year’s local elections, having served as leader of the council for eight years.

One of his first tasks at SCVO will be to help recruit a new chief executive for the organisation, with Martin Sime having retired in December having led the organisation for more than 25 years.

Burns replaces Shulah Allan, who stood down as SCVO convener at the end of last year.