The chief executive of the Scottish SPCA has left the charity with immediate effect after nine years at the helm. 

A statement on the animal charity’s website said Stuart Earley had “decided it is time for a new challenge”. 

Harry Haworth, chair of trustees, said: “Stuart has been instrumental in the positive transformation of the Society over the past nine years and we are grateful for his stewardship, hard work and dedication.”

Mike Flynn, chief superintendent, and David Webster, finance director, have become interim joint chief executives while the recruitment of a new chief executive takes place. 

Scottish media outlets have recently been critical of the amount SSPCA paid Earley. He was reported to be earning over £200,000. The charity had an income of £14.2m in the year to 31 December 2015.

The charity’s accounts show that the highest paid employee was in the remuneration band £190,000 to £199,999 and benefited from pension contributions of £31,033.