Fiona Logan, chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, has announced she is leaving.
Ms Logan is to take up a senior position with international people development company Insights.
Ms Logan, who has been at the helm of the park authority since 2008, leaves the organisation in an extremely strong position and with a clear strategy to build upon a number of significant successes.
She said: “It’s been an enormous privilege to have played a part in the protection, development and promotion of one of the world’s most beautiful and important landscapes, but after six tremendously enjoyable years, the time is right to move on.
“The authority’s entire team deserves huge credit for the progress it has made in balancing the economic, tourism and environmental agendas within the national park and I am very proud of our people’s achievements.
“From the ranger service and the community teams to the planning department and the land management teams, they have shown how forward-thinking and effective a modern national park authority can be.”
In the past six years the park Authority has:
* restructured and refocused its strategy on the three outcomes of conservation, visitor experience and rural development;
* received a significant uplift in capital investment from Scottish government to support the implementation of the National Park Partnership Plan – the guiding document for all partners involved in enhancing the national park;
* helped to transform east Loch Lomond by introducing byelaws and better camping provision with the support of the community, Police Scotland and the Forestry Commission;
* worked in partnership with Police Scotland on the joint Operation Ironworks to make the national park a safer, more enjoyable place to visit;
* launched Wild Park 2020 – an action plan for nature in the national park;
* taken an innovative approach to working with communities and partners on the planning consultation for LIVE Park – the next local development plan for the national park;
* and embraced an open for business and commercial approach to delivering public services.
Most recently, the authority announced “Your Park”, a major consultation exercise on proposals to improve the experience of the park for locals and visitors, developing a joined-up approach to camping provision, environmental protection and reducing irresponsible behaviour.
Linda McKay, convener of the national park authority, said: “Over the past six years, Fiona has provided superb leadership, often during challenging times. On behalf of everyone at the authority, I’d like to thank her for the energy, passion and vision she has brought to the role and wish her well in the next stage of her career.
“The authority is very well placed to begin the search for a new chief executive as we continue to deliver our priority of protecting and enhancing this special part of Scotland.”
