Economist Andrew Wilson has joined the governing board of SCRI, based in Dundee.

The former member of the Scottish Parliament has held several top jobs at the Royal Bank of Scotland, including the post of deputy chief economist.

Wilson, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and member of the Institute of Fiscal Studies, said he believes that SCRI could grow into a truly world-class centre for research.

"We have the potential to make a very significant global contribution to the science needed to allow environmentally sustainable economic growth," he said.

SCRI director and chief executive Professor Peter Gregory said: "Andrew has a deep understanding of the economic opportunities open to Scotland."

He added: "We have already shown, using an independent economic assessment, that we are a major contributor to wealth creation in the UK."