Graeme Brown said his role had been “the best job in Scotland”.

Shelter Scotland director Graeme Brown is to step down after 12 years in the job.

Brown called his role “the best job in Scotland” as he announced he would be leaving to concentrate on other projects.

The housing and homelessness charity will now begin the search for a new director.

Shelter Scotland committee chair Rob Hayward thanked Brown for his years of service, during which the charity has been at the forefront of housing issues in Scotland.

“Graeme Brown has devoted his career to improving lives in communities across Scotland and beyond,” he said.

“He is a passionate campaigner for social justice, and Shelter Scotland owe him a great debt of gratitude for his service over many years. We are excited to begin our search for a new director to build on Graeme’s legacy at a time when the lack of affordable, decent homes still affects many thousands of people and families across Scotland.”

Brown, who will leave the organisation at the end of May, said: “Shelter Scotland is a fantastic organisation, helping people who are homeless or in bad housing every day and at the same time campaigning for longer term solutions to these urgent problems.

“We have won some significant campaign victories over the years with the hard work of all our staff volunteers and supporters, and these have brought longstanding improvements to homeless and badly housed people. But let’s not kid ourselves much more still needs to be done.

“This is best job in Scotland, working with a strong team and colleagues right across the country. After almost 12 years as director I think now is the time to move on and I intend to have a rest, refresh and then pick up on some other projects.”