NORTH Ayrshire Council has appointed a former Ardrossan Academy pupil as its new Director of Education and Youth Employment.

West Kilbride man John Butcher will replace Carol Kirk who retired last month.

Mr Butcher grew up in West Kilbride, where his family still live, and was educated at the local primary school before completing his education at Ardrossan Academy.

John is currently Head of Service for Inclusion at Glasgow City Council, with strategic responsibility for education establishments in the south of the city.

Mr Butcher began his career as a teacher at James Hamilton Academy in Kilmarnock and has postgraduate Social Work and Mental Health Officer qualifications.

He was children’s services manager in North Lanarkshire working for Social Work, NHS and Education before joining Glasgow City council in 2005.

He was appointed Head of Service in 2007 and initially took strategic responsibility for the Development of Early Years and schools before taking on his current role.

Council Leader Willie Gibson, who chaired the Recruitment Panel, commented: “John was a very strong candidate and will, I am sure, be a strong asset to North Ayrshire.” Chief Executive Elma Murray said: “I am delighted that John will be joining the council’s Corporate Management Team and very much look forward to working with him.

He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the council, particularly in relation to Children’s Services.” Mr Butcher added: “It is my goal to make North Ayrshire one of the highest performing Education services in Scotland where there will be no poverty of ambition and no poverty of opportunities for the children and young people who live in the local area.

“I want North Ayrshire to shape and lead the future direction of education in Scotland, capitalising on the innovative practices that already exist.

"I will work with key partners to ensure that all young people have the right qualifications and experience when they leave school, to move on to a positive and sustainable destination.” He is married and has a daughter, Emily, who has just graduated as an accountant.

He has a keen interest in sport and is looking forward to renewing old friendships in North Ayrshire.