Linda Docherty, senior relationship partner for Clydesdale Bank, has been appointed new chair of the Council of Mortgage Lenders in Scotland.

She will succeed Iain Malloch, senior manager of specialist brands for Lloyds Banking Group, who had been Scotland chair since 2012.

Docherty joined Clydesdale Bank in 2007, when she was appointed relationship partner. She has since taken on more responsibility as senior relationship partner which sees her managing a team of relationship partners that handle the bank’s intermediary business. She is also responsible for managing the bank’s telephone based intermediary sales operation.

She has also worked for Abbey for Intermediaries.

She said: “I look forward to being the first female chair of CML Scotland and representing Scottish mortgage lenders at this important time for the industry. I would like to thank Iain Malloch for his notable contribution as the previous chair.

“It is an intriguing time for the industry in Scotland with consumer confidence returning, and that is having a positive effect on our economy and also our housing market. CML Scotland reported lending for house purchase had reached its highest level since mid-2008 in the final quarter of 2013 and first time buyers are a significant driver in this, which is vitally important in a healthy sustainable market.”