Hannah McGill will take up her post in September

Hannah McGill, who has worked as a film critic and cinema columnist with The Herald, is replacing Shane Danielsen.

She has been a programme consultant with the EIFF since 2001 and has written for numerous cinema publications.

She is also known for radio, television and on-stage presentation and will be taking up the new post in September.

EIFF chairman John McCormick said, "Hannah is passionate about film and will bring that passion to the post of artistic director of the EIFF.

I can't imagine an organisation with which I would rather be involved" Hannah McGill

"As a critic, she is well known for having a clear point of view and bringing fresh insights to her readers.

"Having advised on programming and presented screenings for the past five years, Hannah knows the festival inside and out, making her the perfect choice for this position.

"She will now begin to stamp her own personality on the festival beyond its 60th year."

Ms McGill said: "I'm absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to have been entrusted with this position by a festival for which I have so much respect.

"EIFF has a monumental artistic reputation, amazing staff, and the most engaged and intelligent film audiences I have ever come across.

"I can't imagine an organisation with which I would rather be involved."

The festival will run from 14-27 August .