A new watchdog has been appointed for Police Scotland as the force tries to pull clear of heavily politicised controversies.

Andrew Flanagan, an accountant and former charity and media executive, has been named as chairman of the Scottish Police Authority.

One of his first jobs will be to help recruit a replacement for Sir Stephen House, who stood down early as chief constable this summer.

But he will also have to steer the SPA and the force through difficult financial times, including delivering what Sir Stephen has described as "extreme" measures to plug a black hole in his £1bn budget.

Mr Flanagan said: "While I recognise the challenges we face, I believe there is much to build on in Scottish policing – not least the excellent work undertaken every day by the thousands of dedicated officers and staff.

While appointing Mr Flanagan, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson acknowledged the sheer weight of politics in policing.

Mr Matheson said: "Policing has never been under greater scrutiny – and, with a wealth of experience in the public and private sector, I am confident he will prove to be an excellent chair for the SPA.

"Recent incidents have knocked confidence in policing and it is vital we address that. I have therefore asked him to ensure the community focus is at the heart of everything the SPA and Police Scotland do, and to undertake a rapid review of governance."

Mr Flanagan has no other quango jobs in the Scottish Government but is a Civil Service Commissioner and is Chair of the audit and Risk Committee of the NHS Business Services Authority.

He is a former chief executive of the NSPCC, the leading UK children’s charity, and of SMG plc, once owner of major media groups, including The Herald.

He has been given a four-year term and is expected to work up to 12 days a month a fee of £450 a day.