John Leighton has announced that he is stepping down as director-general of the National Galleries of Scotland in February 2024.

Leighton has been in the role since 2006.

The process of recruiting of a new director-general will begin immediately.

Benny Higgins, chair of the National Galleries of Scotland’s board of trustees, said: “John Leighton has served the National Galleries of Scotland with distinction and unswerving commitment.

“His strong, thoughtful leadership has enabled the Galleries to progress in the best and most challenging of times. He will leave an enduring legacy.”

Leighton said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with the amazing colleagues, trustees, patrons, friends and all the supporters of the galleries and I am immensely proud of our collective achievements across so many activities and projects.

“With the completion of the Celebrating Scotland’s Art project at the national later this year and with the galleries firmly back on track after the disruption of the global pandemic, this seems the right time for me to hand over to new leadership.

“In these difficult times, and as society continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, I know that the National Galleries of Scotland will continue to play a key role in society in Scotland, offering inspiration and joy to a very wide public.”