Cabinet Secretary announces new appointments to HES board

The newly appointed members are Lesley Fraser, Christina Gaiger, Amar Chauhan, Philip Allenby and David Taylor

Lesley Fraser has a broad range of public sector experience, having worked for Scottish Government for more than 20 years in roles including tourism, major events and strategy. She led increases in social house building and new approaches to social security in Scotland as Director for Housing and Social Justice. As Director General Corporate, she has led major change programmes and been the organisation’s principal adviser on good governance.

Before joining Scottish Government, Lesley worked for 16 years in London for English Heritage and others on historic buildings conservation.

Christina Gaiger is a conservation accredited architect, founder of Christina Gaiger Architects and former President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). As President, she led significant governance reform and organisational change. She continues to deliver financial oversight, risk management and professional standards through roles with RIAS and the Architects Registration Board. With over 15 years’ experience in architecture practice, including a senior management role at Architype and international experience at Renzo Piano Building Workshop, she brings expertise in conservation, sustainable design and the regeneration of historic buildings. Ms Gaiger combines strategic leadership with practical experience of Scotland’s built heritage, championing its role in creating a legible, sustainable and resilient built environment.

Amar Chauhan is an Edinburgh-based entrepreneur with firsthand experience building and running successful businesses. He brings a highly practical approach to guiding an organisation's long-term health and stability. Having navigated the realities of growing companies, he knows how to ask the right questions and ensure plans are realistic before major decisions are made. Mr Chauhan will apply this grounded, collaborative perspective to help HES modernise its operations and secure a lasting vision for the future.

Philip Allenby as Scottish Solicitor and Notary Public, Phil has over 20 years of international, legal and business experience. Mr Allenby was a Chief Counsellor governance and compliance, Europe and BT plc.

He is a non-executive director at NHS Lothian Board and was a trustee at Archaeology Scotland.

David Taylor is a risk and assurance leader, experienced in governance and 30 years of working in financial services, public bodies and regulated environments.

Mr Taylor brings deep expertise in strengthening governance frameworks, improving organisational control and supporting boards through clear, independent scrutiny. As a formal internal audit partner, he has advised more than 1,000 audit and risk committees gaining strong understanding of effective oversight in complex organisations. His most recent role as Head of Group Governance, Risk and Control Services at Nationwide Building Society enhanced his capabilities in enterprise risk, regulatory compliance and organisational resilience.

These appointments will be for 4 years, running from 19 October 2026 and ending on 18 October 2030.

Steve Uphill, Interim Chief Executive of HES, said:

“I am delighted to welcome these new board members, who bring a vital range of diverse skills, experience and perspectives to the HES Board.

“Their appointments will enhance the support and scrutiny provided by the Board as we continue to strengthen our governance and organisational performance.”

For more information on the appointments, visit the Scottish Government website.

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.

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