The most senior, and most highly-paid, official at West Dunbartonshire Council is stepping down after a decade in the post.

Chief executive Joyce White announced to councillors and staff today that she would be "moving on" from her role this summer.

She first started at West Dunbartonshire as the authority executive director of corporate services in 2008 before rising to the most senior, and highest paid, role in the area.

Mrs White - who, according to council documents published in early 2021, receives a salary of more than £124,000 a year - said she would be focusing more on her charity work with Youthlink Scotland and Inspiring Scotland, as well as "business pursuits" and time with loved ones.

In her email announcement, she wrote: "I am writing to let you know I will be moving on from my role as chief executive in the summer.

"I was motivated to join the public sector because I wanted to help make a difference to people's lives and I am so proud of all that you and this council have achieved: from delivering ambitious regeneration projects, new schools, care homes and housing, to the unstinting efforts of employees to ensure services were maintained in the most challenging circumstances we have ever faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It has therefore been a difficult decision to move on from a job, an organisation and a team I care so much about.

"I am hugely grateful for the opportunities I have had with this council since joining as executive director of corporate services in 2008 and want to use my experience and my passion for improving lives, empowering people and supporting communities to grow as I move into the next chapter of my life.

"I believe the time is now right to step back from a full-time career and focus on my non-executive roles such as in charities Youthlink Scotland and Inspiring Scotland, developing my own business pursuits and enjoying more quality time with my loved ones.

"I want to thank each of you for the support you have shown to me throughout my time in West Dunbartonshire.

"I have so many fantastic memories and among my most cherished are the opportunities to meet many of you in our offices, depots and facilities, at our employee recognition events and 'back to the floor' experiences and during the elections, to hear about your roles and your stories."

She added: "My life has been enriched by the many experiences I have enjoyed as an employee of West Dunbartonshire Council and I know many of these special relationships will continue through the rest of my life.

"I look forward to the next chapter for the council with the local government elections in May and the appointment of a new chief executive who will continue the journey of ensuring West Dunbartonshire is a great place to live, work, learn and visit."