BBC Scotland has got itself a new head of drama.

Chris Aird returns to BBC Scotland, where he began his career. Taking up his post in April, he is currently executive producer for BBC Independent Drama, with Spooks, Hustle, Prisoners’ Wives, the Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Casualty, Hotel Babylon and Call The Midwife among his credits.

He started his BBC career in Scotland in 1995 where he was a researcher/ director in news and current affairs.

He succeeds Anne Mensah who, last year, was appointed head of drama at Sky. In the meantime, executive producer, Gaynor Holmes, has been acting head of drama.

In a BBC statement, Donalda MacKinnon, head of programmes and services (Scotland), is quoted, as saying: “We are delighted that Chris will be taking on the leadership of BBC Scotland drama at a very exciting time for the department with Waterloo Road moving to Scotland, our flagship drama, River City, in brilliant form and a strategy for growth planned in Scotland in the coming years.

“At BBC Scotland, Chris will be taking on a drama department in great shape and with a very exciting future ahead of it.”