This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New Chairman for National Museums of Scotland
18/02/2002
Lord Wilson of Tillyorn has been appointed as Chairman of the board of Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland, succeeding Sir Robert Smith.
The appointment was made by Mike Watson, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport and is for a term of four years until 31 December 2005.
Welcoming the appointment, Mr Watson said:
"I am delighted that Lord Wilson is to become Chairman of the Board in succession to Sir Robert Smith. Sir Robert has served the Board well over the past nine years, guiding the institution through a period of change such as it has never before seen, including the new Museum of Scotland project which has been a major success.
"Lord Wilson, who has served as a Trustee on the Board since 1999, was considered a high quality candidate for this important appointment. I am confident that his past experience on the Board and his interest and enthusiasm for the work of the National Museums, allied with his extensive business experience, will greatly benefit the future of Scotland's National Museums."
Lord Wilson said:
"I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed Chairman in succession to Sir Robert who has done an outstanding job, not least in seeing to fruition the opening of the Museum of Scotland. The National Museums of Scotland perform a great role for education, scholarship and public enjoyment. I look forward to doing my best to help all involved continue to build on the great success of past years."
David Wilson, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn KT GCMG FRSE PhD is the current Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen. He is a former Governor of Hong Kong (1987-92) and from 1993 until November 2000 was the Chairman of Scottish and Southern Energy plc. (formerly Scottish Hydro Electric). He is also Master-elect of Peterhouse, Cambridge. Lord Wilson has been a Trustee of the National Museums of Scotland since 1999.
The National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 provides for the Scottish Ministers to appoint between 9 and 15 members, including the Chairman, to the Board of Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland. Appointments are for a maximum of 4 years and members are eligible for reappointment. As with all Trustees, the position of Chairman is unpaid, but travel and subsistence expenses are payable
Lord Wilson is a Crossbench (Independent) member of the House of Lords.