THE man who has been chief executive of the Scottish Parliament since Holyrood opened 20 years ago is leaving the post.

Sir Paul Grice will take up a new job as principal and vice-chancellor of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh in September.

Grice said in a letter to MSPs: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to have been involved with the Parliament since the beginning and to have had the opportunity to play a part in its development into a successful and well-respected institution.

“My enthusiasm for the Parliament and commitment to what it stands for is undimmed, but now feels like the right time for me to go.”

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP said: “Paul Grice has been at the heart of the Scottish Parliament from the very beginning. He led the team which established this new open and accessible institution, designed to serve all of the people of Scotland, going on to become our first chief executive and first clerk.

“I want to pay tribute to Paul’s leadership, knowledge and commitment to the Parliament, all of which have been vital in guiding the organisation through the many changes we have witnessed.”