Public appointment: Members appointed to Historic Environment Scotland on an interim basis

The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, today announced the appointment of Susan Deighan and Ray Macfarlane as Members of Historic Environment Scotland on an interim basis.

Members

Susan Deighan is a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer within the public and charity sectors. She has dedicated her career to championing the power of culture, events and active living to transform lives and communities in Glasgow, alongside building the city’s global profile as a world-class destination. Susan has held senior positions for over more than three decades with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life and has helped shape a vibrant, ambitious and inclusive city through the development and delivery of important city strategies for libraries, tourism, culture, events, community learning and physical activity and sport. Susan has extensive experience in the management of large public sector organisations and working within complex political environments and remains a passionate advocate public services.

Ray Macfarlane was awarded an MBE for services to heritage. She has served two terms as Chair of the Scotland Committee of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and was Deputy Chair of its UK Board and of the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Ray was Chair of Museums Galleries Scotland for six years after serving a similar period as chair of the Scottish Government's Recognition Committee, which formally recognises and invests in collections which are considered to be of national importance though not held in the National Museums and Galleries. She was a Trustee and Deputy Chair of the National Galleries of Scotland and a Trustee of the National Galleries of Scotland Foundation. Ray Macfarlane graduated MA, LLB, MBA from the University of Glasgow and began her executive career as a solicitor in private practice. She is now chair of the Hopetoun House Preservation Trust and a Trustee of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Appointment

The appointments will be for one year and will run from 10 November 2025 to 9 November 2026.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointments are part-time and attracts a remuneration of £228 per day for a time commitment of two days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Susan Deighan and Ray Macfarlane do 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.   

Susan Deighan and Ray Macfarlane have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Historic Environment Scotland is a non-departmental public body with charitable status. They are governed by a Board of Trustees, who were appointed by Scottish Ministers. Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for more than 300 properties of national importance. Buildings and monuments in their care include Edinburgh Castle, Skara Brae, Fort George and numerous smaller sites, which together draw more than 5 million visitors per year.

Historic Environment Scotland are also responsible for internationally significant collections including more than 5 million drawings, photographs, negatives and manuscripts, along with 20 million aerial images of locations across the world. They invest circa £13 million a year in national and local organisations, supporting building repairs, protecting ancient monuments, monitoring archaeological work, creating sustainable futures for historic assets and the voluntary sector.