London, July 20 : `Harry Potter' creator J. K. Rowling's decision to resign as the patron of MS charity has left a gaping hole in the organisation, says new head of the MS Society in Scotland.

David McNiven admits that the 43-year-old writer's decision has hit the charity's fundraising and profile, amid an ongoing internal row among the charity''s members.

In April, Rowling announced that she was quitting as patron of the MS Society Scotland (MSSS), after becoming dismayed by what she described as a charity that was "changing beyond all recognition".

The decision came after UK board of trustees decided to suspend the devolved Scottish council who run the MSSS.

McNiven has expressed disappointment at her departure.

"To have such a high-profile person associated with our organisation was a major advantage to us. Clearly, we were disappointed to lose that patronage," the Scotsman quoted him as saying.

"It will leave a hole for us, especially in our fundraising and profile, but we are endeavouring to find ways of resolving the situation, which won''t happen very quickly but plans are afoot to try to mitigate that issue.

"JK was clearly globally known and had substantial networks that were helpful.

"It is disappointing to the society, but we have to try to move forward and keep the focus on people with MS and their carers," McNiven added. (ANI)