Sir Mark Jones named as new Chair

Sir Mark, who lives in Edinburgh, was the Director of the National Museums of Scotland from 1992 to 2001, where he oversaw the project to create and open the ‘Museum of Scotland’. He then became the Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. During his tenure, there was a ten-year, £120 million programme of renewal of the museum which saw visitor numbers triple.

Currently, he is chair of the Pilgrim Trust, the Historic Scotland Foundation and the Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust. He also owns the Golden Hare bookshop in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, which was recently named Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards.

Sir Mark takes up his new role on 9 August. Commenting on his appointment, he said:

‘It has never been more important to understand our history and heritage and to protect our natural environment. I am delighted to be working with the National Trust for Scotland which does all of this so well.’

Sir Mark also paid tribute to the achievements made by Sir Moir Lockhead, who has held the position of Chair since April 2015. He said: ‘There has been great progress under Sir Moir’s stewardship and I thank him for his contribution to caring for Scotland’s heritage over the past four years.’

Once in post, Sir Mark is keen to go to St Kilda – a place that he has long wished to visit, but so far has not managed the trip. As a keen walker he is also looking forward to exploring the mountains which are in the care of the conservation charity, and visiting properties with his three grandchildren.

Sir Moir Lockhead took up the role of Trust Chairman in April 2015. He has now completed his four-year term.

About the recruitment process:

The appointment and role of the Chairman is determined by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, of whom the majority are elected by the membership.

The Board of Trustees approve the role specification for the Chairman.

The Nominations Committee is then remitted to carry out a recruitment exercise to recommend a candidate to the Board. The Committee has two independent members (one of whom is the Chair) and Trustee members.

The Committee appointed FWB Park Brown to assist in the recruitment process.

After considering a long-list and conducting interviews of a short-list of candidates, the Committee recommended Sir Mark to the Board.

The Board approved the appointment at its meeting on 27 June, making their decision based on the skill-set and selection criteria deemed necessary to fulfil the role.