ANGUS COUNCIL’S chief executive search was concluded last night with the announcement that finance director and depute chief executive David Sawers (pictured) is to make the step up to the top post next month.

Mr Sawers will succeed Sandy Watson after being appointed last night at a specially reconvened meeting of the full Angus Council in Forfar, finally bringing the curtain down on a selection debacle which many in the rural council will be glad to see behind them.

Last night’s announcement came exactly a week after the authority said they expected to unveil their new choice of captain to steer the local authority ship, plans which were scuppered after they failed to close a deal with a private sector high-flyer who it is understood was offered the post.

It is believed the Scandinavian-based business man, originally from Dundee and in his late 30s, could not reach a satisfactory relocation arrangement with his potential employers.

The unusual turn of events resulted in councillors being kept back following last Thursday’s meeting of the full council to consider their next way forward, and last night elected members were back round the table in the Forfar Town and County Hall chamber to discuss the issue again.

Since last week there has been no official comment from the council about the speculation surrounding the chief executive situation and officials remained tight-lipped about last night’s proceedings.

It is understood Mr Sawers and fellow director Ron Ashton, who heads the housing department and was also on the chief executive short leet, were in attendance last night and the decision to elevate the finance man to the figurehead role was taken after little more than half an hour of talks behind closed doors.

Personnel boss Hugh Robertson and law and administration director Catherine Coull were at last night’s special meeting and Mr Sawers’ appointment was confirmed in a statement later released by the authority.

The new chief executive’s working association with Angus stretches back around 20 years to the days of the former district council, and he was the first finance director of the new authority following the most recent local government shake-up in 1996.

Originally from Dundee and educated at Harris Academy and the city’s College of Commerce, Mr Sawers began his public sector career with the then Aberdeen Corporation in 1974 after a spell in the private sector.

He joined Angus District Council in 1980 as assistant director of finance before becoming director in 1992.

Angus provost Bill Middleton said, “Angus, like most Scottish local authorities, is facing many challenges as we work to address the changing needs of our communities and deliver best value and quality services to residents.

“We know that in his new role as chief executive David will make a valuable contribution in Angus as we get on with the business of developing and progressing the council and the county in the years to come.”