Public appointment: Members appointed to National Galleries of Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan MSP, today announced the appointment of Dr. Bendor Grosvenor, Juan Cruz, John Nicolson, Eleanor Bentley, Alex Plant, Murdo Mackay, and Richard Coles as Members of the National Galleries of Scotland Board.

Catherine Muirden, Chair of the National Galleries of Scotland Board, said:

 “We are delighted to announce the appointment of seven new Trustees to the Board of the National Galleries of Scotland. They will strengthen the Board with a diverse range of skills, experience and perspectives that will support us as we deliver our ambitions for the future. These appointments reflect the specific skills and expertise identified as being important to help guide the organisation through an exciting period of development. As we continue to expand our reach, enhance free access to our collections and deliver major capital projects, the knowledge and insight these individuals bring will be invaluable. 

I have been particularly encouraged by the enthusiasm each of them has shown for supporting our mission and contributing to the future success of the National Galleries of Scotland.” 

Members

Dr. Bendor Grosvenor is an art historian, writer and broadcaster, with a commitment to making art and history accessible to wide audiences. He has appeared in a number of television programmes, including Britain’s Lost Masterpieces, Fake or Fortune? and The Culture Show. Bendor’s research has played a significant role in the rediscovery and reattribution of important artworks, particularly in the fields of pre-19th-century European painting and in Scottish art. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he has published specialist books on both British art history and history. Through television, books, journalism and public speaking, Bendor has worked to broaden public understanding of art, collections and cultural heritage. His work is driven by a belief in the power of objects to tell compelling human stories, and in the vital public role of museums and galleries, especially in education.

Juan Cruz is an artist and the Principal of Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh, where he is also a professor of Fine Art. He has 26 years of academic experience starting his career in 2000 at Goldsmiths College and having since worked at Liverpool John Moores University and the Royal College of Art. His own practice has deployed a wide range of media and has been widely exhibited internationally. Juan has significant experience in the articulation and evaluation of practice-based research, and is currently deputy chair of UoA32 (Art & Design History, Practice & Theory) in REF 2029.

John Nicolson is a journalist and broadcaster, and a former politician. He was elected a Member of Parliament in 2015 and sat on the Culture and Media Select Committee for almost a decade. In broadcasting he has been reporter and presenter for some of the highest profile programmes on the BBC and ITV including Newsnight and BBC Breakfast. John attended Glasgow University and won a Kennedy Scholarship and Harkness Fellowship to Harvard. He worked as a speechwriter in the United States Senate before beginning his journalism career.

Eleanor Bentley is a chartered accountant and experienced non-executive director with extensive expertise in corporate governance, audit and risk oversight, and financial management. She spent the majority of her executive career in senior leadership roles within international public companies. She is a non-executive director of Celtic Renewables Limited, where she chairs the Audit & Risk Committee, and serves as a trustee of the ICAS Foundation, chairing its Bursary Committee. Eleanor's previous board appointments include Vice Chair of Scottish Ballet and member of Court at the University of Aberdeen, she chaired the Audit & Risk Committees of both organisations. She brings significant experience of board governance, strategic oversight and stakeholder engagement across the corporate, art and education sectors.

Alex Plant took up the role of Chief Executive at Scottish Water in June 2023. He was previously Director of Strategy and Regulation at Anglian Water, where he worked from  2014. Before working in the water sector, Alex held roles at Cambridgeshire County Council, the Civil Aviation Authority and HM Treasury. He has also held several nonexecutive director roles including with NHS Cambridgeshire and the Centre for Cities. Alex is a graduate of Nottingham University.

Murdo Mackay an executive HR leader and strategic adviser with more then 30+ years of experience working alongside CEOs, boards and executive leadership teams in the energy, renewables, aviation, construction, plus higher education sectors. A chartered fellow of the CIPD he now provides strategic advice and interim executive support to organisations across the public, private and third sector. Mr Mackay also serves as a nonexecutive director of Caledonia Housing Association. Originally from the Isle of Harris, he is passionate about the role that art plays in enriching life, broadening perspective and connecting people with Scotland’s culture heritage.  

Richard Coles presented Saturday Live on Radio Four for twelve years, and co-presented two seasons of The Great British Painting Challenge for BBC2. He presents for Channel 4 and Channel 5, and writes for the Sunday Times. Richard appears regularly on television, radio and on podcasts, and is the author of fifteen books. He is a patron of Greatwell Homes, providing affordable housing in east Northants, and is Chancellor of the University of Northampton.

Appointment

Bendor Grosvenor, Juan Cruz and John Nicolson appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030.

Eleanor Bentley, Alex Plant and Murdo Mackay appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2030.

Richard Coles appointment will be 4 years and will run from 1 April 2027 to 29 March 2031.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

Members appointed to the Board of Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland are not remunerated with time commitment of 12 days per annum.

Other ministerial appointments

Bendor, Juan, John, Eleanor, Murdo, Alex and Richard 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.   

John Nicolson political activity includes being a member of parliament SNP and front bench spokesperson Culture and Media Select Committee.

Bendor Grosvenor political activity in last five years include being a member in Policy Development Committee, in 2022.

Juan, Eleanor, Murdo, Alex, Richard have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The National Galleries of Scotland.

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