The local authority’s top official told the council leader of his intention to retire at a date to be confirmed in 2024, after 42 years of public service, 12 of those as chief executive.

Recruitment for the role will begin immediately to allow for a seamless transition before Roddy leaves the council headquarters.

Roddy said: “I appreciate the extremely privileged position I’ve had to be at the heart of local government in Moray for over a decade and the time is right for me personally to look ahead to retirement.

“I’ve dedicated my career in public service to serving the people of Moray to the best of my ability and am proud to have worked alongside some extraordinary public servants during that time.

“The role is more than a job and I know my successor will get to experience the same wonderful highs I’ve had and be prepared for the more challenging aspects of leading a local authority. Everybody is well aware of the exceptionally tough times councils have faced and are facing as they strive to continue providing excellent services under ever-changing circumstances. I do know, however, that whoever steps into the Chief Executive’s office in Moray Council will have a resilient, hard-working and innovative team of colleagues around them.”

Council leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “Having started at the council as an apprentice, Roddy spent 36 of his year 42 years service in Chief Officer roles, has been through six internal restructures, one regional reorganisation, two referenda, a global pandemic, and the death of the longest reigning monarch. I think we can agree his retirement is well-deserved.

“On a personal level, Roddy welcomed me to the council chambers as part of the new intake of elected members in 2022 and guided me through my early days as a Council Leader. His experience and knowledge shone through and I’m extremely grateful on behalf of councillors both past and present, as well as council staff, for his professionalism and resilience in a role that is difficult for even the most experienced.

“I look forward to working with the next generation of leadership in what is often termed the most challenging but exciting non-elected job in local government.”

Roddy Burns was educated in his native Glasgow and Ayrshire before studying law at Aberdeen University then joining the former Moray District Council as a trainee solicitor.

He held various legal and administrative posts and was depute director of law and administration at the time of local government reorganisation in 1996.

Roddy was appointed legal services manager with the new Moray Council and became chief legal officer in 2000. After a period as acting chief executive for 15 months, he succeeded Alastair Keddie in the role permanently in October 2012.