SCOTTISH Conservative leader Douglas Ross has appointed a leading crime reporter as his new director of communications.

Russell Findlay, who used to work as an investigative journalist for the Sunday Mail, the Scottish Sun and STV has been unveiled as the party's new top spin doctor.

He takes over the role from former Scotsman and Daily Mail political journalist Eddie Barnes, who left in January.

Ross also confirmed that former Angus MP Kirstene Hair, who lost her Westminster seat in the December election, has been appointed as a special advisor, while former Downing Street advisor Elliot Roy takes up the post of head of policy.

Ex-Department for Education special adviser Innes Taylor has been put in charge of the party's Holyrood election manifesto.

Ross said: “Russell has a huge breadth of experience across Scottish media and there are very few other journalists with his investigate instincts. I’m thrilled to have him on-board and I’m sure he will prove to be a huge asset to the party.

“Russell will head up an expanded, well-rounded Scottish Conservative team with the press and policy expertise to lead us into the election campaign firing on all cylinders.”

Findlay said: “After 27 years in newspaper and broadcast journalism, I am delighted to be taking up this post with the Scottish Conservatives.

“It is a privilege to be joining Douglas Ross and as he leads the party into next year's crucial Holyrood election."

Findlay was the victim of a horrific acid attack in December 2015.

His attacker threw sulphuric acid in his face as he answered his door.  He was later jailed for 15 years for assaulting the journalist to the danger of his life.

Findlay recovered from the assault and wrote a book about the experience.