Public appointment: Members appointed to sportscotland

The Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport today announced the appointment of Moira Connolly, Jane Gotts, Andrew Kerr, Tony McDaid and Gillian Treasurer as Members of sportscotland.

Members

Moira Connolly qualified in Medicine from Queens University Belfast, completed GP training in Edinburgh in 1989, became a consultant psychiatrist in 1996 and completed a Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of Glasgow in 2012. She held clinical and management roles within Glasgow Mental Health Services for over 20 years and worked for the Mental Welfare Commission between 2019 and 2024. Moira was seconded to Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Directorate for 3 years as Principal Medical Officer (Mental Health) to work on Scotland’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategies (2011-2014). Alongside this work she championed the importance of physical health and wellbeing for people with mental health problems and the use of health informatics to improve clinical care and service delivery across health sectors. Moira’s appreciation of the importance of being physically active and retaining good physical health has never waned, and she remains committed to the principle that physical activity and participation in sport is a great way to enhance wellbeing at all life stages within health and education. When a student she took up running to keep fit, which she still does to unwind and think creatively, and she personally benefits from the camaraderie and coaching available at her local running club.

 

Jane Gotts has extensive experience in governance, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. She is the Director of GenAnalytics, a consultancy specialising in diversity and inclusion, where she has led numerous impactful projects that drive positive change in workplaces and communities. Her passion for promoting equity, coupled with her expertise in governance and organisational strategy, will be a positive addition to the board of sportscotland. Jane is deeply committed to leveraging sport as a tool for social inclusion and well-being and understands the power of sport to change lives having served on the board of Commonwealth Games Scotland when the Games came to Glasgow in 2014.

 

Andrew Kerr brings a wealth of experience to the board of sportscotland. He has had a long and successful career in Sports and Leisure culminating in his appointment as corporate director of Leisure and Culture in Birmingham. A former elite athlete himself (he represented Great Britian and Scotland at 400m and 4x400m). he has been the Chief Executive of four major local authorities in the UK (North Tyneside, Wiltshire, Cornwall and for the last nine years in Edinburgh). he brings vast experience of government, local authority Leisure and Sports provision and how they are vital to the development of sport in Scotland and combines that with an expertise in strategy development, business planning and the management of large organisations. He was awarded an OBE by the Queen for Public Service in 2021.

 

Tony McDaid is the Chief Executive of Caledonia Gladiators, Scotland’s professional basketball franchise. Experience in basketball both as a player and a coach, Tony joined the club in June 2023 as their first CEO as they moved to their new East Kilbride arena. Previously, Tony worked in education for over thirty years and much of his time was spent in the South Lanarkshire Council area. His roles included Principal Teacher of Physical Education, Deputy Head Teacher, Head Teacher, as well as ten years as Head of Service and Executive Director of Education. Tony brings extensive experience and knowledge of both professional sport and education.

 

Gillian Treasurer is an experienced sports professional, having worked in legal roles with the Welsh Rugby Union, Scottish Rugby and currently The British & Irish Lions. Gillian is currently playing a key role as part of the Lions executive team as the Lions prepare to travel to Australia for one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles in 2025. Gillian is delighted to take up her appointment to the Board of sportscotland, where she will play a key role in influencing policy, shaping strategy, and making a real impact on Scotland’s sporting future. With her legal expertise, she aims to strengthen governance, drive positive change, and help create an accessible, ethical, and successful sporting landscape in Scotland. As well as being passionate about working in sport, she is also a fervent follower of Scottish sport and a regular attendee at events from grassroots to elite level.

Appointment

The appointments will be for four years and will run from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2029.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £191.51 per day for a time commitment of up to 16 days per annum.

Other ministerial appointments

Moira Connolly, Jane Gotts, Tony McDaid, Andrew Kerr and Gillian 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.   

Moira Connolly, Jane Gotts, Tony McDaid, Andrew Kerr and Gillian have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Sportscotland is the national agency for sport in Scotland. Our vision is an active Scotland where everyone benefits from sport. In an active Scotland we will all find ways to be physically active every day. Keeping moving at home and at work. Taking an active approach to getting around. Choosing to be active in our leisure time.