New Scottish Water chief revealed

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The new boss of Scottish Water has been named by ministers as Ronnie Mercer, who had been interim chairman since spring 2006.

His predecessor left the job following a row with the Scottish Executive.

Mr Mercer's formal appointment as chairman for the next four years was announced by the infrastructure minister, Stewart Stevenson.

Mr Stevenson said: "Scottish Water will remain in the public sector to help deliver sustained economic growth."

He added: "Ronnie will give Scottish Water vital stability as it continues to deliver the improvements in quality and standards that the Scottish Executive requires it to achieve over the next four years."

Meeting challenges

Mr Mercer, a former top executive with British Steel and Scottish Power, will be paid £692 a day for two-and-a-half days a week.

He became interim chairman of the water quango when Professor Alan Alexander quit after a row with the executive over the pace of action in delivering environmental and water quality improvements.

Mr Mercer said: "High levels of investment and a focus on improving customer service is having a significant impact on customer service performance.

"There is much still to do but I believe that we have a business that can meet the challenges of the future."