Ronnie Hinds appointed Interim Chair of Historic Environment Scotland

Ronnie Hinds has been appointed Interim Chair of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan. The appointment reflects the importance of strong leadership and governance as HES continues work to deliver the changes and improvements identified through the recent external review of organisational culture and structure.  

Mr Hinds took up the role on 13 July 2026 and will serve up to one year as Interim Chair.

As Interim Chair, he will work closely with Board members and staff across the organisation to support the delivery of HES's priorities and help strengthen its culture, governance and leadership.

Mr Hinds is the former Chief Executive of Fife Council and has held a number of senior public appointments since retiring in 2013. Most recently, he served as Interim Chair of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, where he played a key role in addressing significant organisational challenges. 

Ronnie Hinds said: 

"HES is responsible for the oversight of some of Scotland’s most iconic places and national treasures, its staff bring impressive expertise and dedication to the maintenance of over 300 properties in their care, to the benefit of the people of Scotland and international visitors. 

“Such responsibilities need to be matched by the highest standards of governance and behaviour by those charged with leading the organisation.  I am honoured to be invited by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic to play a part in ensuring that these standards are met. As Interim Chair, I look forward to working with Board members and the staff of HES to deliver the changes and improvements identified in the recent independent review of organisational culture and structure.” 

Mr Hinds does not hold any other public appointments. 

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, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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