Much has been achieved and Scottish ministers are very grateful to you for your significant contribution to that progress

Mike Watson Culture Minister

"It did not cause a problem when he was appointed," he added.

Mr Lee, who took up the post in June 1998, will step down on 31 May.

The minister wrote to Mr Lee expressing gratitude for the "significant contribution" he had made to Scottish Screen.

The letter says: "Your period as chairman has been an eventful time for the screen industry in Scotland, much as it has been for the country as a whole.

"Much has been achieved and Scottish ministers are very grateful to you for your significant contribution to that progress.

Board members

"There have been some notable successes in Scottish productions in those years and the development of a base of production companies in Scotland is beginning to become a reality."

Last summer the chief executive of Scottish Screen, John Archer, stepped down. He was replaced by Steve McIntyre.

A number of board member positions are currently unoccupied and these unpaid posts will also be advertised, said the Scottish Executive.

Scottish Screen was created seven years ago and is responsible for the promotion and development of all aspects of film, television and related media in Scotland and received a �2.6m grant from the executive in 2002-03.