Sir John Elvidge announced as new chairman of Edinburgh Airport

Former civil servant Sir John Elvidge is to be appointed as the new chairman of Edinburgh Airport.

Last month, the airport was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the owner of Gatwick and London City airport, for £807m.

The company announced Sir John would take up his new role upon the completion of the acquisition on 1 June.

He was permanent secretary to the Scottish government until 2010.

The part-time appointment is subject to the approval of the advisory committee on business appointments.

Michael McGhee, the GIP partner leading the acquisition, said: "Our investment in Scotland is a significant one, and we are delighted to have secured Sir John Elvidge to chair the new board of directors.

"Sir John's knowledge of Scotland will be particularly important as we raise Edinburgh Airport's profile around the world, and build strong relationships in the city and beyond."

Sir John Elvidge said: "I am excited to be chairing the new board of Edinburgh Airport at such an interesting time, when we hope to establish the airport as a highly competitive force that grows and develops in tune with the needs and aspirations of Scotland and its capital city."

Edinburgh Airport was put on the market by its owner BAA last October, after the Competition Commission ruled that it had to sell either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The winning price, expected to be paid at the end of May, was considerably more than had been expected.