The Chief Executive of East Lothian Council has announced she is to retire in February 2025.

Monica Patterson who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government.

Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of Housing Services with North Lanarkshire Council. On arriving at East Lothian Council, she took up the role of Executive Director for Community Services. In 2012, she became Depute Chief Executive (Partnerships and Community Services). She has also served as the council’s Monitoring Officer and been the Returning Officer for elections in East Lothian.

The recruitment process for a new East Lothian Council Chief Executive is expected to begin in due course.

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Ms Patterson said: "It has been a huge privilege to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues, as well as with elected members and local communities in East Lothian, which is a very special part of the country.

"Since joining the council over 14 years ago, we have seen significant change in both the council and the county. There have, of course, been a number of challenges some of which – like the COVID-19 pandemic – were outwith our direct control. In one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas, we have played our part in delivering national policy requirements, whilst working hard to continue providing high-quality services for residents, protecting and enhancing the environment and helping to grow the local economy.

"But, despite an increasingly difficult financial environment for local government, what hasn’t changed is the ability of council employees, together with our partners, to focus on delivering the very best for our communities, continually being able to adapt and innovate.

"I know that, whilst there will continue to be challenges to contend with, East Lothian Council and the communities we serve will be able to look forward to the future with positivity, confidence and a strong desire to maximise all the opportunities that lie ahead.

"I will have many fond memories of working in East Lothian, as well as the people I’ve met, and wish everyone well for the future."