Lord Foulkes of Cumnock is to head Scotland’s leading charity for older people.

The former MP for Cumnock and Doon Valley, who also made Minister of State for Scotland in 2001, has been appointed chairman of the board of trustees with Age Scotland.

He previously served as vice-chairman and has been replaced in that role by Dorry McLaughlin, chief executive of Edinburgh-based Viewpoint Housing.

Lord Foulkes said: “I am honoured to be chosen as chairman of Age Scotland at this crucial time. I will be returning to an area of special interest for me.

“In view of this new responsibility I will be spending less time on party activity. In the House of Lords I am now on the Select Committee on Charities and the all-party group on older people, which will be taking up more of my time.”

Having begun his political career in 1963, when he was elected senior president of the Students’ Representative Council at the University of Edinburgh, Lord Foulkes has held numerous important positions.

Entering parliament in 1979 as MP for South Ayrshire, he went on to Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley.

Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan welcomed Lord Foulkes’ latest appointment, saying: “It’s great to have George as chairman of our Board of Trustees. He has supported Age Scotland brilliantly during his time as a trustee and latterly as vice-chairman.

“He brings a wealth of experience of the public, private and third sectors and we look forward to developing Age Scotland work under George’s leadership of our board.”

Age Scotland, which is part of the UK-wide Age Network, is an independent charity which deals with issues affecting older residents.

They ensure elderly people get the support and opportunities they need – visit agescotland.org.uk for details.