Steve McIntyre, who took a leading role in the production of the award-winning film Gas Attack, has become chief executive officer of Scottish Screen.

Mr McIntyre, 46, has served for three years as head of production development at the government-funded agency. Since the departure of John Archer early last month he has been acting chief executive.

James Lee, chairman of Scottish Screen said: "We interviewed a range of experienced and well-qualified candidates. It was clear Steve was the best man for the job."

In his previous role, Mr McIntyre was closely involved in the award of lottery money and its subsequent auditing. It was in this capacity he oversaw the production of Gas Attack, the £650,000 film co-funded by Scottish Screen and Channel 4.

On Sunday, it won the Michael Powell Award for Best New British Feature at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Sam Kingsley, who produced Gas Attack, said: "Steve was supportive. He didn’t interfere but he was there when you needed him. It’s got to be a good thing if the chief executive has already got a good working relationship with the country’s film-makers."

The film’s success at the festival was greeted by delight at Scottish Screen, which had endured an uncomfortable summer.

Allegations of cronyism, and to the unprecedented £620,000 awarded to Peter Mullan’s film, Magdalene, are widely held to have prompted the departure of Mr Archer a year ahead of schedule.

Mr McIntyre said he would strive "to ensure that the agency’s work is better understood and appreciated".

He also spoke about the need to develop the agency’s response to the executive review, established in June, examining the work of Scottish Screen in relation to the development of new media .

Mr McIntyre said, "This is an important time for the screen industries in Scotland. I am excited by the prospect of leading the team at Scottish Screen and shaping the agency's future. My immediate priority will be to develop Scottish Screen's response to the Scottish Executive review of public support for the screen industries.

"I share the board's enthusiasm and commitment to broadening our remit, particularly in expanding the scope of Scottish Screen to include the new media opportunities created by digital technology.

"It is essential that Scottish Screen stays ahead of the game. Digital technology will create new opportunities for Scotland and could transform the competitive position of some of our emerging production companies. Also, I am looking forward to working with the board to redefine Scottish Screen's strategy and to ensure that the agency's work is better understood and appreciated".

The appointment takes effect immediately. A new Head of Production will be recruited in the near future.

(Steve McIntyre and his partner Margaret O'Connor live in Edinburgh. They have two children Maeve (2) and Iain (1)