Mr Williams hopes to attract more major events to Scotland

An events specialist has been drafted in by the Scottish Executive to make the country one of the world's foremost entertainment destinations.

David Williams, 55, will lead EventScotland - a body set up to ensure Scotland's name is higher up the world's list of must-see places.

As chief executive, he will be given a budget of �10m to transform Scotland's "event appeal" over the next three years.

The executive hopes Mr Williams, who spent 25 years in a similar role in Australia, can bring more high profile events to Scotland.

Although Scotland already hosts major events such as the Edinburgh Festival, the capital's Hogmanay celebrations, and The Open golf tournament, its record has been chequered.

The country will host the MTV Europe Music Video Awards in Leith, near Edinburgh, in November, but missed out in its joint bid with Ireland to host the Euro 2008 football championships.

There is huge potential for the right portfolio of events to showcase Scotland's dramatic landscape, its sporting heritage and its dynamic culture David Williams

Welsh-born Mr Williams, is confident he can improve Scotland's chances against other countries.

He said: "In Australia, I have seen how events can not only raise the international profile of a country, but also demonstrate the capability of the nation.

"I believe that there is huge potential for the right portfolio of events to showcase Scotland's dramatic landscape, its sporting heritage and its dynamic culture.

Mr Williams added: "When you have events, have them in places where people want to visit and the event is the catalyst for them to come.

"That's what we want to do with events here - provide the catalyst that says 'yes let's go to Scotland, see the event and visit the country'."

'Too many chiefs'

Mr Williams, whose appointment lasts for five years, will have an annual salary of �95,000.

However the Scottish National Party criticised the appointment and the creation of the body.

Nationalist tourism spokesman, Kenny MacAskill, said: "What Scotland needs is access to cash and resources to attract visitors, events and trade, not more red tape and another highly-paid executive."