FIFE Council's chief executive Steve Grimmond has announced his plans to retire in June next year.

After occupying the role for 10 years, a search for his replacement will now begin.

The post is expected to be advertised in January with the test and interview process spanning February and March.

Salaries for council chief executives are set through COSLA as part of national bargaining arrangements. The current salary in Fife is £162,258.

Fife Council leader, Councillor David Ross, said he will be sorry to see him go.

“However, by the time he retires next summer he will have been chief executive of one of the largest councils in the country for 10 years," he said.

"I understand why he feels it will be the right time and, of course, we respect his choice in the matter. In the meantime, I’ll be working with Steve and the rest of the team, as normal, to progress our priorities for Fife.

"Once the process is agreed by cabinet, an appointments sub-committee will be convened to focus on recruiting a new CEO.”