Carol joined the organisation in 2014 as senior manager for economic development before becoming director of children, communities and enterprise; deputy chief executive and then chief executive in 2018.

Stirling Council leader, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “Carol has played a key role in many initiatives that have set our ambitions for the area including the City Region Deal, the creation of a digital agenda in partnership with Codebase, and attracting major events to the area such as Runrig, The Summer Sessions and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“Inside the council Carol has led through a time of significant change, delivering a programme of investment in digital technologies and transformation of internal practices to help the organisation continue to deliver vital local services in the face of many external pressures.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Carol and to see her style of management and professional manner in the way she conducts business within the council.

“Carol leaves with my best wishes and my thanks. The plans for recruitment to find a new chief executive begin immediately.”

Ms Beattie previously announced her intention to stand down from the role in December 2022, and was due to remain in post until a successor is appointed before a change of heart saw her withdraw this request.

Carol said: “During almost six years in the chief executive role at Stirling Council, it has been a privilege working closely with our many communities, partners and elected members.

“I have spent a decade at Stirling and will always cherish this period in my life, working alongside such committed and talented colleagues who want the best for our residents, communities and businesses.

“I have experienced more as a local authority chief executive than I could have imagined, leading the organisation through everything ranging from a global pandemic to severe weather events and a period of unprecedented financial challenges for local government.

“A highlight of the past 12 months was when the eyes of the world were on the Stirling area for the UCI Cycling World Championships, the biggest ever sporting event to take place here. It was a fantastic occasion that showed the best of Stirling and its communities. It made me so proud and I look forward to seeing the lasting economic and social benefits of such a successful event.

“Sadly, the organisation I joined has suffered more than a decade of cuts to its budget, hampering the scope to be creative and forward thinking at a pace we would all desire. The regard for local government will surely have to return or we will see the societal consequences for years to come.

“The challenges facing local government are well known, but I hope our exceptional workforce, amazing communities and strong partnerships continue to thrive through this period of turmoil. I know there are good things on the horizon for Stirling.

“This is the right time for me to move on to a new chapter in my career and to look back on my time in Stirling with great pride.”

A thorough recruitment process will get underway immediately, with Carol remaining in post until May.