VisitScotland CEO Philip Riddle stands down

VisitScotland has confirmed that Philip Riddle is standing down from his role as chief executive of the tourism body.

The organisation, which is responsible for Scotland's 4bn tourist industry, said Mr Riddle was stepping back from his duties while

negotiations on his role continued.

A statement from the body today said: "VisitScotland can confirm that discussions are progressing in private with Chief Executive Philip Riddle concerning his position at VisitScotland.

"To give Mr Riddle space to conduct these discussions in the light of unhelpful media speculation at the weekend, he will not undertake Chief Executive duties in the meantime."

The statement adds: "As a result of governance obligations, an interim arrangement is in place where VisitScotland will be saying no more until the matter is resolved."

It is believed both parties are attempting to reach agreement on a severance deal with Director of Visitor Engagement Malcolm Roughead taking over as acting chief executive.

Today's announcement comes after the Sunday Herald reported at the weekend that Mr Riddle was set to leave his post after "losing the confidence of his colleagues".

The tourist boss was appointed to his role in 2001 by the previous Labour-led administration at Holyrood.

However the quango's new chairman Mike Cantlay, who was appointed by the SNP government, refused to be drawn on whether he was being brought in as a replacement CEO when questioned on BBC Scotland's Politics Show last month.

VisitScotland, which has a taxpayer-funded budget of around 43 million, faces making 10m of cuts over three years.