A GALASHIELS man has been appointed as Britain's ambassador to Ireland.

Paul Johnston, 52, was educated at St Margaret's Primary School and Galashiels Academy.

He has now been chosen for the role of Her Majesty's Ambassador to Ireland, taking over from Robin Barnett.

Mr Johnston joined the civil service in 1990 and is a former UK ambassador to Sweden.

More recently, he served as the UK's representative to NATO and to the European Union's political and security committee.

Mr Johnston has also held diplomatic posts in New York and Paris.

He still has family based in Galashiels, with his mother Muriel connected to Gala Opera and brother Alan a coach at Gala rugby club.

Mr Johnston, who is married to Nicola, takes up his new appointment in September.