The new appointment will take up the role in early 2025
Museums Galleries Scotland has appointed Duncan Dornan as new Chair of the Board.
Dornan joins the Board following his recent retirement as Head of Museums and Collections at Glasgow Life, where he served from 2013 until August 2024.
While there, he oversaw the £68.25m refurbishment of the Burrell Collection, which received the Art Fund Museum of the Year award in 2023.
Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections announces retirement
He brings broad experience from previous roles, including General Manager at the National Museum of Rural Life and positions in the education sector at Aberdeen College and Norfolk College. He also brings experience as lead of VOCAL (Voice of Culture and Leisure Managers in Scotland) and as a member of the ICOM UK Committee.
Dornan will take up the new role next year, from 6 January 2025. He will take over from Ray Macfarlane who steps down after six years in the role.
Steph Scholten, Chair of the MGS Board Nominations Committee, said the appointment will be a “significant asset in guiding the National Development Body’s efforts to create a sustainable museums and galleries sector.”
On his appointment, Dornan added: “I am delighted to be joining MGS as Chair of the Board. Having worked with the organisation for many years, I am conscious of the impact MGS has on the museum sector, promoting professional standards, innovation, and sustainability.
“Given the challenges the sector currently faces, there may never have been a greater need for this support.”
