Trust's chief executive to step down next year

The chief executive of the Dumfries-based Crichton Trust, Gwilym Gibbons, will step down from his role in May next year.

He has held the post for the past eight years but is leaving to become chief executive at Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth.

In a letter of resignation to the board, he said it it had been a "deeply personal" decision made with a "heavy heart".

Mr Gibbons thanked the board for its dedication and support, and said he would continue to champion the work of The Crichton Trust.

The trust is responsible for the operational management and development of the 85-acre (34-hectare) Crichton estate, which is home to multiple educational and recreational facilities as well as 130 businesses.

Mr Gibbons said: ''The trust, following a period of significant challenge and transition, is now in a much stronger position to face the future.

"So it feels like a good time for a new leader with fresh energy and perspective to lead the organisation through the next stage of its journey.

''I'm grateful for the trust placed in me and immensely proud of what we have achieved together.''