New chair appointed for Creative Scotland review

ANGELA LEITCH has been named by Scottish Culture Secretary ANGUS ROBERTSON as chair of an independent review into arts funder Creative Scotland.

Supported by STUART CURRIE as vice chair, Leitch will replace Dame SUE BRUCE, who withdrew from the role on health grounds in March.

As a result, the review’s timeframe for publishing recommendations has been extended until November to allow the new team sufficient time to gather and consider evidence from the sector.

Leitch has worked for more than 30 years in local government, including at West Lothian and the City of Edinburgh councils, before becoming chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council and East Lothian Council.

In 2019, she became chief executive of the newly formed Public Health Scotland, a role she stepped down from in April 2023. She was also convenor of the Scottish Local Authority Remuneration Committee board and is a member of the board of the Scottish Police Authority.

“It’s well recognised that the [culture and arts] sector and the people who work within it contribute significantly to Scotland’s society, our communities, and the economy,” said Leitch.

“It’s also recognised that the context cultural organisations and artists are now operating in has changed considerably since Creative Scotland was established in 2010.

“I welcome the opportunity to work with colleagues in Creative Scotland and across the sector to review its remit and functions with a view to ensuring it continues to be relevant today.”

Robertson said he was “delighted” Leitch had agreed to lead the review, adding that she and Currie have “a wealth of local government and public sector experience”.

Feedback from 750 individuals and organisations who responded to a survey on how culture and the arts are currently supported and areas for change will be published later this spring.