This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Chair of National Theatre
02/12/2003
The Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland is to be
Richard Findlay, chief executive of Scottish Radio
Holdings, it was announced today.
Culture Minister Frank McAveety said the appointment had
been made by an independent panel set up by the Scottish
Arts Council.
The Minister continued:
"Richard Findlay is highly motivated and his records of
achievement and public service are impressive. He has a
clear grasp of the task before him and he will ensure flair
and vision in the appointment of the creative director, and
excitement and glamour in the productions themselves.
"He will provide first class leadership in the
development of the National Theatre. He is committed to
the project and shares our ambitions to deliver the highest
quality to excite and delight the people of Scotland. I
wish him the best of success.
"This is another important step in realising our dream
of having a world class National Theatre.
"The responsibility of the National Theatre of Scotland
will be towards the people of Scotland; it is their
theatre. It is about making the arts relevant to our
communities and the people that live there."
James Boyle, chair of the Scottish Arts Council,
said:
"Richard Findlay is a businessman, broadcaster, public
servant, actor and theatre enthusiast. He is committed to
giving Scotland - all of Scotland - a successful, glamorous
and exciting National Theatre."
Richard Findlay said:
"I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair. I
look forward to playing a part in creating something very
special for Scotland."
Funding totalling £7.5m will be allocated over the next
two years for the new National Theatre secured as part of
the Finance Minister's re-allocation of End Year
Flexibility (EYF) funds, details of which were outlined in
Parliament on September 11, 2003.
A Board will be appointed in due course which will
recruit the Creative Director within the next few
months.
The proposed Arts Factory in Greater Easterhouse has
been identified as the preferred location for the National
Theatre of Scotland administrative office. Interim premises
for the National Theatre are currently being identified in
the centre of Glasgow.
Scottish Radio Holdings plc operates 23 radio services
across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and the Republic
of Ireland, along with 40 local newspapers.
Formed from the merger in 1991 of Radio Forth and Radio
Clyde, it is fully quoted on the London Stock Exchange, and
has experienced considerable growth under Findlay's
leadership.
Findlay's experience of chairmanship includes several of
SRH group subsidiary companies, trade organisations,
Lothian Health Board, the Royal Lyceum Theatre and Latros
Ltd.
Other board-level appointments have included: Rector of
Heriot Watt University, serving on the University Court and
Senate; Scottish Community Education Council; Edinburgh
Royal Observatory Trust; Lothian Health Board (as Director
from 1991, prior to his appointment as Vice Chairman and
Chairman); McGrigor Donald; the Fruitmarket Gallery; and
currently, Governor of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music
and Drama. Findlay's theatre-related experience includes an
early career as an actor; establishing an English language
radio service in Saudi Arabia; involvement with the Royal
Lyceum Theatre; and his current governorship of the
RSAMD.