Mr Cairney will start his role next month, taking the reins from colleague Dave Forrester, who is retiring from SELECT.

He will oversee the development of technical and training services to SELECT members, reflecting the increasing reliance on electrical technology and the game-changing impact of renewable energy sources.

Bob said: “It is a huge honour to be offered this important role at a time when it is increasingly clear that the future is electric.

“Our members operate in a highly technical, fast-moving and fast-changing environment and it is crucial that they are able to access, through SELECT, the most up-to-date and forward-looking technical advice, guidance and training opportunities.”

Bob has a long association with SELECT, having previously served for 11 years as senior technical adviser and for five years as technical services manager. He was also head of the electrical section within the University of Dundee Estates and Buildings Services.

For the past four years, he has been SELECT’s technical standards adviser, providing technical assistance and advice to members, as well as acting as secretary of SELECT’s Electrotechnical Committee and providing external representation on many industry committees including JPEL/64, which is responsible for the development and maintenance of BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations.

Alan Wilson, managing director of SELECT, said: “Bob is highly respected in the sector and knows the organisation and the industry intimately. He is also aware of the value and importance of reliable and understandable advice and guidance to assist members as we move into a new electrical age.

“In addition, as our campaign for professional recognition for electricians moves forward in the Scottish Parliament, Bob’s team will play a key role in keeping our members on top of, and ahead of, the skills and complexities of one of the most exciting sectors in the country.”

Bob’s appointment was confirmed at a meeting of the SELECT Central Board yesterday, chaired by the association’s president Donald W Orr.

Donald said: “All our members know that Bob has a firm grounding in the values of SELECT and that he will build on the excellent work of his predecessor.

“Dave spent five years as Head of Services and seven years as Director of Technical Services, creating a team which has performed an invaluable service to the industry. Bob will now take up the baton and drive our technical services towards the next level.”