This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Chair of National Theatre
02/12/2003
The Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland is to be Richard Findlay, chief executive of Scottish Radio Holdings, it was announced today.
Culture Minister Frank McAveety said the appointment had been made by an independent panel set up by the Scottish Arts Council.
The Minister continued:
"Richard Findlay is highly motivated and his records of achievement and public service are impressive. He has a clear grasp of the task before him and he will ensure flair and vision in the appointment of the creative director, and excitement and glamour in the productions themselves.
"He will provide first class leadership in the development of the National Theatre. He is committed to the project and shares our ambitions to deliver the highest quality to excite and delight the people of Scotland. I wish him the best of success.
"This is another important step in realising our dream of having a world class National Theatre.
"The responsibility of the National Theatre of Scotland will be towards the people of Scotland; it is their theatre. It is about making the arts relevant to our communities and the people that live there."
James Boyle, chair of the Scottish Arts Council, said:
"Richard Findlay is a businessman, broadcaster, public servant, actor and theatre enthusiast. He is committed to giving Scotland - all of Scotland - a successful, glamorous and exciting National Theatre."
Richard Findlay said:
"I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair. I look forward to playing a part in creating something very special for Scotland."
Funding totalling £7.5m will be allocated over the next two years for the new National Theatre secured as part of the Finance Minister's re-allocation of End Year Flexibility (EYF) funds, details of which were outlined in Parliament on September 11, 2003.
A Board will be appointed in due course which will recruit the Creative Director within the next few months.
The proposed Arts Factory in Greater Easterhouse has been identified as the preferred location for the National Theatre of Scotland administrative office. Interim premises for the National Theatre are currently being identified in the centre of Glasgow.
Scottish Radio Holdings plc operates 23 radio services across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, along with 40 local newspapers.
Formed from the merger in 1991 of Radio Forth and Radio Clyde, it is fully quoted on the London Stock Exchange, and has experienced considerable growth under Findlay's leadership.
Findlay's experience of chairmanship includes several of SRH group subsidiary companies, trade organisations, Lothian Health Board, the Royal Lyceum Theatre and Latros Ltd.
Other board-level appointments have included: Rector of Heriot Watt University, serving on the University Court and Senate; Scottish Community Education Council; Edinburgh Royal Observatory Trust; Lothian Health Board (as Director from 1991, prior to his appointment as Vice Chairman and Chairman); McGrigor Donald; the Fruitmarket Gallery; and currently, Governor of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Findlay's theatre-related experience includes an early career as an actor; establishing an English language radio service in Saudi Arabia; involvement with the Royal Lyceum Theatre; and his current governorship of the RSAMD.