The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Mr Robertson, today announced the appointment of Sir Mark Jones as Chair of Historic Environment Scotland.
The Scottish Government writes:
Sir Mark Jones was Chair of the National Trust for Scotland from 2019 to 2025 and owns the Golden Hare bookshop in Edinburgh. His latest book, a biography of William Wyon, Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint (1828-1851), was published on 20 May 2025.
From 2023-2024 he was interim director of the British Museum. Before that, 2011-2016, he was Master of St Cross College, Oxford. Before that again he was Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum 2001-2011. His time there saw a ten year, £120 million programme of renewal of the museum and its displays which transformed two thirds of its vast building.
Mark Jones’ directorship of the National Museums of Scotland (1992-2001) saw the opening of the Museum of Scotland in 1998, the creation of the National War Museum of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle and the Museum of Scottish Country Life at Kittochside in East Kilbride. He was closely involved in the creation of SCRAN, the most successful digital Millennium project, which continues to provide on-line access to the collections held by over 300 museums, galleries and archives throughout Scotland and he originated Game On which is among the most successful travelling exhibitions ever created.
Appointment
This appointment will be for four years and will run from 22 September 2025 to 21 September 2029.
This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.
Remuneration
This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £296 per day for a time commitment of four days per month.
Other ministerial appointments
Sir Mark Jones does not hold any other public appointments.
Political activity
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.
Sir Mark Jones has had no political activity within the last five years.
Background
Historic Environment Scotland is a non-departmental public body with charitable status. They are governed by a Board of Trustees, who were appointed by Scottish Ministers. Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for more than 300 properties of national importance. Buildings and monuments in their care include Edinburgh Castle, Skara Brae, Fort George and numerous smaller sites, which together draw more than 5 million visitors per year.
Historic Environment Scotland are also responsible for internationally significant collections including more than 5 million drawings, photographs, negatives and manuscripts, along with 20 million aerial images of locations across the world. They invest circa £13 million a year in national and local organisations, supporting building repairs, protecting ancient monuments, monitoring archaeological work, creating sustainable futures for historic assets and the voluntary sector.
