Public appointment: Chair appointment extended on Creative Scotland

The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, today announced the extension to the appointment of Robert Wilson as Chair of Creative Scotland.

Robert Wilson said:

“I am delighted to continue as Chair of Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland for another year. Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team whose dedication to Scotland’s creative sector has delivered remarkable results, supporting artists, nurturing talent, and strengthening our cultural infrastructure in meaningful ways.

“We stand at a particularly significant moment. With record funding levels and the forthcoming recommendations from the independent review, we have a real opportunity to build on our progress and deliver transformative change for Scotland’s creative community. I am committed to ensuring we seize these opportunities fully, and I look forward to providing steady leadership for our Board, our Leadership Team, and all staff as we navigate this important next chapter together.

This work matters deeply to me, and I’m honoured to play my part in shaping Creative Scotland’s future.”

Chair

Robert Wilson brings a wide range of leadership experience in the commercial, philanthropic and charitable sectors, with particular experience of the arts, including festivals and the visual arts. Mr Wilson is co-founder of Jupiter Artland Foundation, the award winning Sculpture Park near Edinburgh.

He has served as Chair of Edinburgh Art Festival, Trustee of Little Sparta Trust, Trustee of the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh, Trustee of the Dovecot Studios and Chair of the Arts Working Group at Inverleith House. He chairs The Barcapel Foundation and Prostate Scotland. He is Chairman and co-owner of Nelsons, the UK’s largest natural medicines producer.

Extension

This extension will be for up to 12 months and will run from 10 February 2026 to 9 February 2027.

This extension is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This extension is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £275 per day for a time commitment of up to four days per month. Robert Wilson waives this fee.

Other ministerial appointments

Robert Wilson 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.

Robert Wilson has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Creative Scotland is the national body for creative development. They support a Scotland where creative activity is vibrant, valued and experienced by everyone inclusively. They enable creative people, communities, places and activity to thrive.

Further information on the work of Creative Scotland is available via the Creative Scotland website.