Public appointment: Member reappointed to National Galleries of Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan, today announced the reappointment of Gemma Gray as a Member of the National Galleries of Scotland Board. 

 

Member 

Gemma Gray is a PhD researcher at Heriot-Watt University and previously a strategic marketing and communications consultant working across a range of sectors. She started her career at Saatchi & Saatchi London and has over twenty years’ experience in advertising, marketing and branding. During that time she worked for clients such as Johnson & Johnson, Visit Scotland and the National Trust of Scotland. Gemma is passionate about the social, cultural and emotional importance that galleries and museums play within society and has a particular interest in public benefit and widening access to all. 

  

Reappointment 

This reappointment will be for 6 months and will run from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. 

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

 

Remuneration 

This reappointment is part-time, with a time commitment of 12 days per year. Appointments to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland are not remunerated. 

 

Other ministerial appointments 

Gemma 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.    

Gemma 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 art. Discover the world's greatest collection of Scottish art alongside work by international icons such as Botticelli, Titian and Van Gogh. Step inside and explore art treasures from centuries ago to the very best modern and contemporary art including Joan Eardley and Jasleen Kaur, and contemporary portraits of pop culture icons.  

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.   

www.nationalgalleries.org