Ms Beattie announced her intention to stand down from the role in December last year, and was due to remain in post until a successor is appointed.

The panel cancelled the recruitment process with immediate effect.

Stirling Council leader Cllr Chris Kane said: “Carol approached the panel with a view to remaining in post and in our conversations, it was abundantly clear that she still has a passion for Stirling and a grasp of the challenges and opportunities we face.

“Carol’s leadership skills and her track record in recent years protecting vital council services in the face of budget cuts and pandemic pressures have been invaluable and the panel were unanimous in their support of Carol remaining in post. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Carol in the years ahead.”

Carol Beattie said: “After a period of reflection, it is clear to me that the challenge I am looking for remains in Stirling.

“We have huge budget challenges to face but also great opportunities to grasp, such as realising the potential of our City Region Deal or capitalising on the momentum of our recent City of Culture bid.

“I’m both grateful for, and looking forward to, the opportunity to continue working closely with the remarkable workforce of the council, Stirling’s communities, elected members and partner organisations.”

Having joined the organisation in 2014 as senior manager for economic development, Carol went on to become director of children, communities and enterprise; deputy chief executive and then chief executive in 2018.

Carol has played a key role in many aspiring initiatives for Stirling including the City Region Deal, the creation of a digital agenda in partnership with Codebase, a growing social housing build programme and new active travel routes around the city.

Within the organisation, Carol has led 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.