Ruth Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, is to be guest speaker at this year’s Board of Deputies President’s Dinner.

Ms Davidson said she was “honoured to have been asked to speak and mark the immense contribution of the Jewish community.”

She added: “At what can seem a challenging, politically divisive time, I believe it’s of paramount importance that we celebrate our shared values and the bonds that bind us together.

“I’m thoroughly looking forward to addressing the Board of Deputies in September and joining the ranks of a prestigious list of speakers.”

The performance of the Conservatives in Scotland – when they saw their seats grow from one to 13 - was one of the party’s bright spots in last month’s election. Last year they won 35 seats in the Scottish Parliamentary elections, replacing Labour as the official party of opposition to the Scottish National Party.

Jonathan Arkush, President of the Board of Deputies, said: “We are delighted that Ruth Davidson has accepted our invitation to be guest of honour at the President’s Dinner.

“Ruth is a rising star of the Conservative Party and has fairly been described as the only real winner in the recent General Election. It will be one of her first engagements south of the border and we very much look forward to hear what Ruth has to say.”

Previous speakers to have addressed the President’s Dinner include David Miliband, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Prince Hassan of Jordan.

Ms Davidson is also following in the footsteps of the leader of her party, Prime Minister Theresa May. As Home Secretary, Mrs May spoke at the Board’s dinner in 2014.