Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland

The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, today announced the appointment of Catherine Muirden as Chair of the Board of National Galleries of Scotland.

Mr Robertson said:

“Catherine has extensive knowledge and experience across the arts, retail and financial sectors which will prove invaluable.

“The National Galleries of Scotland is responsible for looking after Scotland’s amazing world-class art collection and I look forward to working with Catherine over the next four years.”

Catherine Muirden said:

“I’m honoured to take on this role at such an exciting time for the National Galleries of Scotland. The organisation’s collections, people and programmes are a vital part of our national life — connecting Scotland’s rich artistic heritage with the creativity of today. I look forward to working with the Board, colleagues and partners to build on the National Galleries of Scotland’s outstanding achievements and to make sure that art in all its forms continues to inspire and engage people across Scotland and beyond.”

Chair

Catherine Muirden has extensive leadership experience across the arts, retail, and financial sectors, in a career spanning executive and non-executive roles in major UK organisations. Her executive career included People Director positions with Barclays, Marks & Spencer, the John Lewis Partnership, and The Co-operative Group, where she led large-scale transformation in people, culture and customer experience. She has served on arts boards in Scotland over the last twenty years, recently as Vice Chair of Scottish Ballet, and prior to that, as Chair of the Fruitmarket Gallery. Catherine has also served as a Non-Executive Director of Haventus in the Highlands, contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure and community impact. She is an Arts graduate and visiting business lecturer of the University of Edinburgh. Catherine is a board member of Sistema Scotland and she is deeply committed to widening participation in the arts and supporting the National Galleries of Scotland’s vision to connect people across Scotland and beyond with the nation’s outstanding art collection.

Appointment

This appointment will be for four years and will run from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2029.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time, with a time commitment of four days per month. Appointments to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland are not remunerated.

Other ministerial appointments

Catherine Muirden does not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Catherine Muirden has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

We are the National Galleries of Scotland and our three Edinburgh galleries are the National, Modern and Portrait. We house and look after Scotland’s amazing world-class art collection. Step inside and explore art treasures from centuries ago to the very best modern art and contemporary portraits of pop culture icons. And, as you’d expect, the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art.

We’re a space for thinking, dreaming, doing and playing. Soak up the art. Meet friends in the cafés. Have a family picnic surrounded by the sculptures in the Modern grounds. Be inspired by our amazing art films. Choose your own experience. There is no one way to enjoy Scotland’s national collection. We are yours to discover.

nationalgalleries.org