Scottish Rugby said on Wednesday that Tavish Scott, MSP for Shetland, will join Scottish Rugby in August in a newly created role of head of external affairs.

The former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats will oversee Scottish Rugby’s corporate affairs and media operations “alongside proactively developing the organisation’s relationships with government, national stakeholders and the member clubs of the Union.”

During his 20-year Parliamentary career Scott held a number of senior positions including Deputy Minister for Scottish Parliament, Deputy Minister for Finance, Public Services and Parliamentary Business and Minister for Transport.

Most recently he has been the Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesman for education and sport.

Scottish Rugby’s chief operating officer Dominic McKay said: “I am delighted to have secured someone of Tavish’s experience to join Scottish Rugby at this exciting time in our development. 

“As we continue to further grow our activities across Scotland and internationally it is key, we work hard to maintain the excellent relationships we enjoy with our Government and Local authority partners at all levels whilst enhancing our communications with our member clubs the length and breadth of the country. 

“I believe Tavish brings a unique set of skills to this new role which will help us to continue to develop important dialogue and promote the work we are doing to the widest possible audience at home and abroad.”

Tavish Scott said: “To have the opportunity to work for Scottish Rugby is a huge challenge and one that I cannot wait to begin.

“I will miss the hurley burley of politics and the people I have met and represented for 20 years, but there can be no better new beginning than working for Scottish Rugby.”