Sangster, who started his career in travel in 2011 as a Thomas Cook apprentice in St Andrews, joins the luxury tour operator from Hays Travel.

He joined Hays in 2019 when it acquired Cook's retail estate, progressing to the role of assistant manager at Hays's Perth branch.

Latterly, he managed Hays's Dunfermline branch. If Only said Sangster's background in travel was rooted in "a deep-seated passion for long-haul and cruise".

Sangster will report into head of sales (north) Gemma Pinder-Davidson, with whom we will work closely to expand the operator's footprint in Scotland and Ireland and strengthen relationships with existing regional agent partners and homeworkers.

"Scott’s appointment marks the introduction of a dedicated new role specifically designed to bolster support across Scotland and Ireland," said If Only.

"This strategic expansion allows If Only to provide more personalised, localised service to agents in these key regions as the luxury market continues to see significant growth."

If Only sales director Tracy Docherty said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Scott to our expanding trade support team.

"His extensive management background and sector-specific knowledge mean he will transition into the role with ease, allowing us to further increase the support we offer our growing portfolio of national and regional partners."

Sangster added: "I look forward to engaging with agents across the north and contributing to If Only’s journey toward becoming the UK and Ireland’s favourite luxury tour operator."