One of the Scotland’s most experienced and foremost public-sector planning and regeneration experts has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive of the Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company (URC).

Ian Manson (48) takes up the reins of one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe, having already enjoyed a 25-year career that has seen him work on major projects in Birmingham, North Lanarkshire as well as Glasgow, where he has been based since 1991.

Born in Inverness, and a double graduate of Aberdeen and Glasgow Universities, Ian was part of the inner-city regeneration team in Birmingham in the early 80s, before returning home to Scotland to lead the urban regeneration programme in Monklands in 1990. He then moved to Glasgow District Council in 1991, and in recent years has held a number of key posts at Glasgow City Council, including those of Head of Corporate Policy, Senior Depute Director of Development & Regeneration Services and the Chief Advisor to the Leader of the Council.

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With a background that has covered physical planning as well as social and economic development, including job creation and business growth and a range of public/private sector partnerships, Ian brings a depth of knowledge and range of skills that will enable him to meet the challenges of a project that is set to be in place for the next two decades.

Ian said: "This is a dream job, as there has never been a better time to be part of the massive and exciting changes that are going to take place in the communities of Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Parkhead, Rutherglen and Shawfield.

"The whole area is going to be physically transformed thanks to new infrastructure and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, but I see my main task as ensuring that Clyde Gateway has a positive effect on the lives of local residents in both economic and social terms."

Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell MSP said: "I welcome the appointment of Ian Manson as Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway URC. The Clyde Gateway is one of the most ambitious and biggest regeneration projects in Scotland, which is why the Scottish Government is investing £57m in the URC over the next three years."

(GK/JM)