POLICE Scotland have named Chief Inspector Steven Duncan as the new area commander for East Lothian.

Ch Insp Duncan, who joined the former Lothian and Borders Police in 2003, takes over from Matt Paden who stepped down from the post earlier this month.

Mr Duncan worked as a police constable in both community and response roles in West Lothian in his early career.

In 2008, he was promoted to sergeant and worked in policy and inspectorate roles at the former Lothian & Borders Police headquarters in Edinburgh before working in both community and response roles in what is now the South East Locality of Edinburgh Police Division.

He was promoted to Inspector in 2013 and worked out of the area control room at Bilston Glen.

Speaking about his new role, he said: "Being a resident of East Lothian myself, I'm delighted to take on the role of local area commander and am very passionate about working to ensure that this remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

"It's clear that there is already a lot of good work and strong partnerships here, which I'm eager to build upon, and I look forward to bringing my experience from a number of varied and challenging roles to this.

"Over the coming months I'll be meeting with local officers, our communities and our partners to find out as much as I can about what the priorities are for people so we can continue to keep East Lothian safe."

Mr Paden left the post to return to a role in public protection, where he previously worked.

He has been appointed detective chief inspector in the specialist crime division and will remain in J Division which covers East Lothian.