LARGS man Dominic McKay is taking over the reins as the new chief executive of Celtic this summer 

The 42-year-old has described the big move to his boyhood heroes as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity.'

He leaves Scottish Rugby after serving as their chief operating officer and executive director.

Dominic, a former St Mary's Primary pupil, told the News that he was 'delighted to be taking up such an exciting new role'.

He takes over from long-serving Celtic supremo Peter Lawwell, who has decided to retire at the end of June.

Dominic said: "It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I look forward to beginning my new role as chief executive officer of Celtic. Celtic is one of the most recognisable football brands globally, with fans and a sporting ethos known and respected throughout the world.

"I look forward to working with Peter and the board to ensure a seamless transition. In Peter, I can think of no better example to follow.

"Of course I understand that Celtic is more than just about financial results off the pitch and football results on the pitch. Developing and nurturing the Celtic ethos with our supporters and stakeholders is a key component of my role going forward. I’m looking forward to supporting and building upon the great work carried out by Celtic FC Foundation to ensure that this remains at the heart of the Celtic way.

"Having spoken with Dermot Desmond, I know I will have a shareholder who cares deeply about the club and who will take the time to provide advice and the benefit of his experience to help me in my new role. It is going to be an exciting journey."

"I relish the opportunity to start working with my new team, the footballing and playing staff and, most importantly, the supporters."

Dominic joined Scottish Rugby 13 years ago having been appointed as director of communications in January 2008, before taking on wider group responsibilities from 2011 and joining the Scottish Rugby Board as an executive director from 2013.

Dominic became chief operating officer in 2015 and has been responsible for the management of BT Murrayfield stadium as well as all commercial, marketing, ticketing and communications.

He has also overseen the commercial activities of Scotland’s two professional teams, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, and is currently Chair of the Guinness PRO14.

Dominic added: “I can honestly say I have enjoyed the best 13 years of my life at Scottish Rugby and made life-long friends across the sport.

“It has been a huge privilege to work with such a talented and passionate group of people over this time."

In 2001, Dominic was yacht skipper and project manager for Atlantic Ocean sailing and participated in a boat race where he sailed across the Atlantic.

Celtic's last big Largs connection was Lou Macari who both played for Celtic in the 1970s, before going on to manage the side in the 1990s.