THE Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is to launch an international search for a new permanent director in the coming weeks.

The announcement came after a meeting of the GSA's board of governors, who will oversee the process.

It was revealed by the Sunday Post last month that the previous director, Tom Inns, had been forced to stand down against his will last year as a result of pressure from chairwoman Muriel Gray.

Inns's time in charge of the building, renowned for being designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was marked by two devastating fires.

Staff, students, alumni and external stakeholders will be involved in the process of choosing a new director.

Professor Nora Kearny, chair of the board of governors, said: “Today I am announcing that in the next few weeks we will be launching an international search for a director who will reflect the GSA’s international position.”

“We are seeking someone who is passionate about creative education and who understands the crucial importance of the Glasgow School of Art both to Glasgow, one of the world’s leading creative cities, and to Scotland.

"The director we appoint will have the vision to take us forward in the next phase of our development maintaining and extending our position as one of the world’s leading creative higher education institutions."

Interviews are expected to take place early in 2020, and Professor Irene McAra-McWilliam, who was appointed as interim director for 12 months in November last year, will stay in post until an appointment is made.