Aberdeenshire Council has named Ritchie Johnson as the new Director of Housing and Social Work.

Ritchie, 41, who is currently the authority's Head of Strategic Development (Housing and Community Care), is expected to take up his new position in early March this year

Born in Shetland, Ritchie's first role in the north-east of Scotland was with Gordon District Council in 1989 as a housing management trainee.

He went on to become a housing officer and, after a spell as planning co-ordinator for Scottish Homes, Ritchie took up the role of development manager for housing with Aberdeenshire Council in 1999.

Since 2002, Ritchie has been the Head of Strategic Development for Housing and Community Care, which has involved leading and managing information and strategy teams for housing, community care and support services.

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Commenting on his appointment, Ritchie said: "I recognise that housing and social work services provided by Aberdeenshire Council are already of a high standard.

"However, one of my tasks will be to ensure we continue to improve the services we provide for our residents to achieve the council's vision of being the best in Scotland.

"I am delighted and honoured to be appointed to this role."

Housing and Social Work is Aberdeenshire Council's second largest service, employing 2,250 staff and operating with a budget of some £174m.

The housing section owns and maintains nearly 13,000 houses for rent throughout Aberdeenshire, and provides a range of services relating to the development of affordable housing, sheltered housing, housing need and strategic planning, among others.

The social work section provides services to people in need throughout Aberdeenshire, including community care, child care and criminal justice, as well as the development of policies, planning strategies and other information.

(GK/JM)