Crombie vacates the chair at Creative Scotland

Sir Sandy Crombie who has been Chair of Creative Scotland for four years is stepping down after what has been a fairly turbulent time for the arts body. He will remain in the post until December this year after which the Scottish Ministers will have to find someone new to appoint.

The news comes just ahead of Scotland Week 2014 in New York where Creative Scotland promotes the music, photography and theatre activity which are an integral part. One of the highlights of the week is the 10K Scottish themed run in Central Park with a festival both at the start and the end.

Sir Sandy said: -“It has been my privilege to be the first Chair of Creative Scotland. This period has of course had its challenges, but we must not forget there have also been many successes to celebrate and enjoy. Creative Scotland is ready now to play its full part in seeing many more.

“I’d like to thank the Scottish Government and, in particular, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs for her support and patience while Creative Scotland has developed. I have greatly valued her vision, insight and friendship over the four years I have been in post.”

“I feel confident that Creative Scotland is now well established and in a good place in terms of leadership, direction, and budgets. We have appointed a new senior leadership team led by chief executive, Janet Archer. We are about to launch a new strategic plan that has been produced through the input of more than 1,000 people, and we will be announcing new funding programmes very soon.

“Scotland is an extraordinary place, with unique opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits emerging in future from Creative Scotland successfully placing those who work in the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland at the heart of everything it does.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said:- “As the first Chair of Creative Scotland, Sir Sandy Crombie has played a key role in establishing Scotland’s national arts body, leading Creative Scotland through periods of change and Transition and supporting the organisation to overcome the challenges of its first years of operation.

“More recently, Sir Sandy has steered the organisation through an important period of reflection and reorganisation and supported the development of its forthcoming 10 year plan.

“I thank Sir Sandy for his valuable contribution to Creative Scotland and his determined commitment to supporting Scottish arts and culture.”