Ray McFarlane has been appointed as the new Chair of Scottish Screen.

Currently senior director of business banking at the Bank Of Scotland, she replaces James Lee whose four year term of office ended in May.

McFarlane has been a member of the Scottish Screen Board since its inception in 1997 and has a background in economic development, marketing and sponsorship. She has previously held senior posts in the Scottish Development Agency and Scottish Enterprise. Her three year appointment as Scottish Screen chair commences on September 1.

The agency responsible for all aspects of film in Scotland, Scottish Screen has enjoyed mixed fortunes over the past five years, weathering accusations of cronyism, poor leadership and a vicious media campaign that led to the resignation of Chief Executive John Archer in 2001.

Recent features to benefit from the Lottery Funds administered by Scottish Screen include The Magdalene Sisters, Sweet Sixteen and Young Adam.

Current Scottish Screen Chief Executive Steve McIntyre welcomed McFarlane's appointment, claiming: "Ray has been an active and enthusiastic member of the Board for several years and I am very pleased that she is now taking the chair. She brings a fresh and interesting business perspective to the Board."