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  • Last updated: December 9th 2024

MGS appoints Duncan Dornan as new Board Chair

A person with short brown hair and light skin tone. They are wearing a grey suit and glasses and smiling at the camera.

Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Duncan Dornan as the new Chair of the Board.

Duncan joins the Board following his recent retirement from Glasgow Life as Head of Museums and Collections.

As Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections, Duncan was instrumental in the planning and delivery of many of the city’s major museum projects and initiatives. This includes the £68.25m refurbishment of the Burrell Collection which received the Art Fund Museum of the Year award in 2023.

Duncan 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 an acute understanding of the wider issues facing the sector as the lead of VOCAL (Voice of Culture and Leisure Managers in Scotland) and as a member of the ICOM UK Committee.

His work is underscored by a belief that museums can be champions for change, whether that involves creating spaces and organisations that are inclusive to all, addressing the challenges of climate change, or adapting to maintain public services.

Duncan takes up his new role on 6 January. Commenting on his appointment, he said:

“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.”

Steph Scholten, Chair of the MGS Board Nominations Committee, said:

“We are excited to welcome Duncan as the new Chair of MGS. He brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the Scottish museum sector, which is crucial for advocating for the sector in these precarious times. He will be a significant asset in guiding the National Development Body’s efforts to create a sustainable museums and galleries sector.” 

Duncan will take over from Ray Macfarlane who steps down after completing two three-year terms in the role. You can read more about Ray’s time at MGS and her hopes for the future of Scotland’s museum sector in our blog.