A former bureau chief of a top-selling regional daily newspaper is taking on a national press relations role.

Bob Dow, ex district editor for the Daily Record, has been named as new communications manager for Major Events and Major Incidents at Police Scotland

He was previously North Local Policing communications manager for the force and while he remains based in Aberdeen – his new remit will see him working right across the country.

Bob, pictured, began his journalistic career in 1980 on the Aberdeen Evening Express, progressing from trainee to enjoying spells as feature writer, motoring correspondent and sub-editor during a 10-year tenure.

A two decade stint at the Daily Record followed, running an award-winning district office. In 2009 he set up his own media consultancy firm before being appointed communications manager with the Aberdeenshire farming, food and finance-based AMN Group.

His successor at Police Scotland is Becky Hunter, currently the West Local Policing communications manager in Glasgow.