A FORMER council chief executive been appointed the next chair of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) as the company prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

Dame Susan Bruce DBE, who has led both Aberdeen and Edinburgh city councils over the past decade, is joined by Weir Group executive John Heasley as the new treasurer.

Dame Susan succeeds Dr Brian Lang, who over the past seven years oversaw the organisation experience a rise in average audience figures to the highest in a generation.

It also undertook a successful tour of China and arranged to rehome the Orchestra and choruses to a new, purpose-built rehearsal, recording and office space adjacent to the existing Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Dame Susan said: “I am delighted to take up the role of chair of RSNO. This is a particularly exciting time for our national orchestra and I am looking forward to working with our new Chief Executive Krishna Thiagarajan and the whole team at the RSNO’s new home adjacent to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

"I would like to pay tribute to the work of Dr Lang...during whose tenure the new facilities were brought to fruition. The RSNO has a proud record of excellence whilst at the same time working hard to ensure that the joy of music is widely accessible and I will seek to build upon that strong foundation.”

Mr Heasley, currently divisional managing director of Weir Power & Industrial. replaces the company's chief executive Keith Cochrane as treasurer.

Deputy Chair Stephen Carter OBE also leaves. Cllr Karen Doran from The City of Edinburgh Council succeeds previous Edinburgh representative Cllr Norma Austin Hart.

In October, the RSNO begins celebration of its 125th anniversary, coinciding with the organisation’s relocation to a new, purpose-built rehearsal and performance space in the centre of Glasgow.