Iain McLaren takes over at the helm of Icas

Formerly a senior partner of KPMG in Scotland, McLaren is senior independent director and chair of the audit committee of Cairn Energy and chairman of Investors Capital Trust, as well as holding a number of other directorships north of the Border.

McLaren, who succeeds Alan Thomson, said: "This is an important time for the accountancy profession to demonstrate what it can contribute to society.

"As business leaders and advisers, accountants have a key role to play in aiding the economic recovery, both here in the UK and globally.

"Investors, shareholders and the wider public expect a visible contribution from accountants and as a professional body we are capable of rising to meet these demands."

Audrey Cameron has been made a partner at law firm Anderson Strathern, based in its Glasgow office.

Cameron joined the practice from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport in 2007, where she was the director of legal and administrative services. She had previously worked for a number of local authorities.

Robert Carr, the chairman of Anderson Strathern, said: "Audrey's experience and contacts across the public sector in the west of Scotland are a real asset to the firm.

"Her assumption is testament to the growth of the Glasgow office, and the strength of the firm's corporate offering."

The firm has also added Louise Hamilton to its corporate team in Glasgow, as a senior associate. She joined the firm from Tulloch Homes, where she was a legal consultant.

Helen Campbell is to become VisitScotland's head of marketing for the UK and Ireland. Campbell, who has been at VisitScotland for eight years, succeeds Alistair Gronbach, who becomes head of consulting. "Having worked closely with Alistair over the last eight years, I am delighted to be able to continue on with the great work already achieved by the UK and Ireland team," said Campbell.

The University of Strathclyde graduate has previously worked at the Boroughloch Agency and The Marketing Store.