Public appointment: Chair appointed to the National Library of Scotland

The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, today announced the appointment of Professor Christopher Smith as Chair of the National Library of Scotland.

Mr Robertson said:

“Professor Smith has had an illustrious career both nationally and internationally and I am pleased to appoint him as Chair of the National Library of Scotland. He has a wealth of experience gained at prestigious bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the University of St Andrews and the British School of Rome and I look forward to working with him.”

Professor Smith said:

“Libraries are the custodians of our past, places of wonder and discovery for everyone whatever their age, and critical to a future in which knowledge and truth remain prized. I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to work with the National Library of Scotland as it fulfils its mission for Scotland and beyond.”

Chair

Professor Christopher Smith has led national and international scholarship and science diplomacy in Scotland and across the world. He is deeply committed to the value of libraries as a fundamental infrastructure of knowledge, and their role as trusted partners in community. As Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, as International Champion for UKRI and a member of the governing bodies of Science Europe and the Global Research Council, Christopher will bring an international perspective. And with over thirty years’ experience at the University of St Andrews, Christopher remains deeply and profoundly committed to the heritage and the future of Scotland.

Appointment

This appointment will be for four years and will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

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

Other ministerial appointments

Professor Christopher Smtih 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.   

Professor Christopher Smith has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The National Library of Scotland is the guardian of the printed and recorded memory of Scotland, held on behalf of the nation. It fulfils a statutory role as one of the nation’s most significant cultural and research organisations and operates within the context of the Scottish Government’s national outcomes and strategic objectives, including public service reform.

The Library is a major European research library and one of the world’s leading centres for the study of Scotland and the Scots. It is the largest library in Scotland with over 34 million items and is one of the six Legal Deposit Libraries entitled to claim a copy of every printed and electronic work published in the UK and Ireland under the terms of the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2013. The Library’s collections include rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, music, moving image and official publications.