Linda Pollock has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service.
The current Deputy Chief Executive will succeed Teresa Medhurst, who is retiring after 40 years with SPS.
Ms Pollock joined the organisation in 2023, having previously held a number of senior roles in Scottish Government.
She praised Ms Medhurst, and staff working right across the organisation, during a time of challenges, with a high and complex population, but also opportunities.
Ms Pollock said: “I am delighted and grateful to have been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, following on from Teresa.
“Having worked closely alongside, and more recently as part of the SPS, it is the greatest privilege to lead this organisation and one I am looking forward to immensely.
“The challenges we face are well-known but working alongside you I am inspired and motivated by the skill, compassion, and professionalism shown across our organisation on a daily basis.
“I am very grateful to have worked for and learned from Teresa as Chief Executive, and extremely proud of the organisation we have become under Teresa’s leadership, the progress we have made, and the contribution we make to keeping Scotland safe.
“I recognise that there are significant challenges for us as, in an ever-changing world, we will need to adapt and change in how we work. However, I look forward to us all embarking on this next part of the journey together.”
Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, congratulated Ms Pollock while also paying tribute to Ms Medhurst's "unwavering commitment to public service, and to the staff and people within our prison estate".
She said: “I would like to congratulate Linda on her appointment as Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service.
"Having served as Deputy Chief Executive since July 2023, she brings significant experience and a deep understanding of both the operational realities and the strategic challenges facing our prison system.
"Strong leadership, partnership working and a clear focus on delivery will be essential as we continue to ensure that our prisons are safe, effective and focused on improving outcomes. I look forward to working closely with Linda in the period ahead.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Teresa Medhurst for her 40 years of dedicated service to the Scottish Prison Service.
"Throughout her career, culminating in her appointment as Chief Executive in 2022, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to public service and to the staff and people within our prison estate. Her contribution to Scotland’s justice system has been substantial and enduring.”