Mhairi Cross 

Mhairi is the Chief Executive of the independent National Mining Museum Scotland (NMMS). She is responsible for the running and strategic management of the museum including, visitor offer, education, finance, collections, facilities, governance and strategy. Whilst at NMMS she has delivered an asset review, site & buildings conservation analysis and has overseen the development of the new ten-year masterplan. As a member of Industrial Museums Scotland, she works with colleagues to ensure that industrial heritage plays an important role in Scotland’s rich culture. 

Prior to working in the independent museums sector, Mhairi worked for number local authorities in culture and education. During this time she delivered a number of capital development programmes, set up a new contemporary art gallery in Falkirk Council and established new creative education practices to support the Curriculum for Excellence in North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire Councils. Latterly in Renfrewshire Council, she was responsible for seven arts and museums venues and contributed to the regeneration plans for Paisley, placing museums and culture in the centre of the new strategic ambitions. 

Mhairi is a Trustee of the Association of Independent Museums and has been the Scottish representative since 2018.