EAST Lothian Council has been dealt a double blow after its head of education today confirmed she was leaving her post – just weeks after its chief executive handed in her notice.

Fiona Robertson, who is East Lothian Council’s head of education and children services, is moving to a new role at neighbouring Midlothian Council after more than three years in the job.

Her announcement comes just weeks after the local authority’s chief executive Angela Leitch confirmed she was leaving to take the helm of the new Public Health Scotland body.

Midlothian Council said that Mrs Robertson would be taking one of two newly created executive director posts at the council as it carries out a major overhaul of senior management.

Midlothian has reduced the number of director roles from three to two, with eight head of service roles reduced to four chief officer posts in a bid to save more than £300,000.

Mrs Robertson will take on the position of executive director of children, young people and partnerships.

She said: “It has been a privilege to work within East Lothian Council and to lead education, East Lothian Works and, recently, children’s services.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the elected members and staff who work so hard to make a difference for families across the county, and to recognise the commitment that exists to working in partnership with parents, children and young people.”

Mrs Robertson joined East Lothian Council in March 2016, replacing Darrin Nightingale, who had been director of education for three years.

She came to the local authority from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education and is a national specialist in mathematics.

East Lothian Council is due to approve plans to recruit a new chief executive next week.