Board members

Sir Mark Jones was Chair of the National Trust for Scotland from 2019 to 2025 and owns the Golden Hare bookshop in Edinburgh. His latest book, a biography of William Wyon, Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint (1828-1851), was published on 20 May 2025.

From 2023-2024 he was interim director of the British Museum. Before that, 2011-2016, he was Master of St Cross College, Oxford. Before that again he was Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum 2001-2011. His time there saw a ten year, £120 million programme of renewal of the museum and its displays which transformed two thirds of its vast building.

Mark Jones’ directorship of the National Museums of Scotland (1992-2001) saw the opening of the Museum of Scotland in 1998, the creation of the National War Museum of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle and the Museum of Scottish Country Life at Kittochside in East Kilbride.  He was closely involved in the creation of SCRAN, the most successful digital Millennium project, which continues to provide on-line access to the collections held by over 300 museums, galleries and archives throughout Scotland and he originated Game On which is among the most successful travelling exhibitions ever created.

His appointment as Chair of Historic Environment Scotland started on 22 September 2025 and runs until 21 September 2029.

Mark does not hold any other public appointments.

Andrew Davis is Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at TSB

Andrew is a Chartered Management Accountant, an experienced Management Consultant, and Company Director in the Scottish Financial Services sector.

Prior to joining TSB, he has worked for, amongst others, PwC, McKinsey, Scottish Widows and Bank of Scotland.

He brings to the role a passion for Scotland’s history and environment combined with his experience of executive, audit and risk committees.

His appointment is from 6 April 2020 to 5 April 2028.

Emma Herd is Head of Corporate Enablement and Control at Aberdeen Standard Investments.

She is responsible for managing operational risk globally, as well as change management and property management.

Emma trained as a chartered accountant with KPMG and has worked in financial services for 20 years in the UK and Australia.

Her appointment is from 6 April 2020 to 5 April 2028.

Gemma is currently a Business Manager for the National Trust for Scotland responsible for planning and analysis

Gemma is an operational leader and manager within cultural and natural heritage visitor attractions, focusing on commercial sustainability, culture change, and project management. Gemma is currently General Manager for Cowdray Heritage Trust, responsible for the upkeep and development of Cowdray Ruins, and previously worked for National Trust for Scotland and National Museums Scotland.

Joe Doogan has over 40 years’ experience in manufacturing and engineering across various industries

Joe has over 40 years’ experience in manufacturing and engineering across various industries and is currently employed by Babcock International as Director of Operations at Rosyth Dockyard. He brings extensive experience in delivering major capital programmes, infrastructure investment, site maintenance and supporting the introduction of innovative recruitment and training programmes.

His appointment is from 20 March 2023 to 19 March 2027.

Simon Hodge has extensive experience in working with local communities, sustainable land use and public commercial activity.

Simon a forester by training, has a life-long interest in the historic environment with previous roles including Chief Executive of the Crown Estate Scotland and Forest Enterprise Scotland. Simon also has extensive experience in working with local communities, sustainable land use and public commercial activity.

His appointment is from 20 March 2023 to 19 March 2027.

Gary Jebb is a Director of Place at the University of Edinburgh

Gary is a Director of Place at the University of Edinburgh with extensive experience in the management, operation, and development of a large, complex historic property portfolio, including the delivery of major estates projects and facilities management. He is also a Professional Associate of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and was elected a Fellow in 2001.

His appointment is from 20 March 2023 to 19 March 2027.

Ann Leslie is Chief Executive of Lar Housing Trust

Ann, a former commercial lawyer, Ann is Chief Executive of Lar Housing Trust, growing the charity from a start-up to a fully operational charity with hundreds of homes across Scotland and a number of further sites in construction or planning – many involving reusing derelict and abandoned buildings - some of which are listed -and transforming them into good quality, affordable homes and community use buildings.

Her appointment is from 20 March 2023 to 19 March 2027.

In addition to his role with HES, Nkosana currently serves as a non-executive board member of the Student Awards Agency Scotland.

Nkosana is a Lecturer in Strategy at the University of Edinburgh Business School and a member of the school’s Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability Committee. He brings governance expertise across the social, government, and commercial sectors, having served as a non-executive director and statutory advisor in Australia, including roles with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Queensland State Government. 

Ian is Professor of Historic Environment Management at Heriot-Watt University and teaches heritage management, tourism and visitor experience development

Ian Baxter is an industry focused senior academic with wide involvement in strategic and governance issues in heritage-sector NGOs, and in tourism experience development.

Ian is Professor of Historic Environment Management at Heriot-Watt University and teaches heritage management, tourism and visitor experience development. His professional practice and research is focused on knowledge management and strategy within heritage and conservation organisations, and enhancement of the visitor experience at historic sites. He originally trained as an archaeologist at the University of Edinburgh and completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge investigating strategic management within heritage and conservation organisations.

He chairs the Built Environment Forum Scotland's Historic Environment Working Group (and was previously BEFS Vice-Chair) and is a current member of Council (Trustee) of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He co-chairs the Skills, Education & Engagement Advisory Group for The Heritage Alliance (the national NGO heritage advocacy organisation in England) and is a member the Institute for Historic Building Conservation's Education, Training & Standards Committee.

David is Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for AI in Assistive Autonomy at the University of Edinburgh and a Board Member of Historic Environment Scotland.

He brings over 18 years of experience in technology, innovation, and commercialisation, with a proven track record of building international partnerships and supporting the creation and growth of start-ups. He is deeply committed to Scotland’s historic and natural environment and has played an active role in advancing place-based partnerships that drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

David began his career at EY in technology risk and assurance before moving into senior roles within academia, where he led major initiatives to enhance business engagement and secure large-scale R&D funding and investment. He has worked internationally across Europe, Asia, and the US to establish strategic collaborations and has played a key role in supporting early-stage ventures through spin-outs, accelerators, and national programmes.

Throughout his career, David has worked across academia, industry, and public sector to drive inclusive innovation and economic growth.

Ray Macfarlane was awarded an MBE for services to heritage

Ray is an experienced non-executive director who has just completed two terms as Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Scotland Committee. She was also Deputy Chair of its UK Board and of the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Ray was Chair of Museums Galleries Scotland from 2018-2024 and of the Scottish Government’s Recognition Committee, which identifies and supports collections of national importance, from 2011-2018. Other roles she has held include being a Trustee and Deputy Chair of the National Galleries of Scotland and a Trustee of its charitable foundation. She began her executive career as a solicitor in private practice, specialising in property law.

Susan Deighan is a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer within the public and charity sectors.

Susan has dedicated her career to championing the power of culture, events and active living to transform lives and communities in Glasgow, alongside building the city’s global profile as a world-class destination. Susan has held senior positions for over more than three decades with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life and has helped shape a vibrant, ambitious, and inclusive city through the development and delivery of important city strategies for libraries, tourism, culture, events, community learning and physical activity and sport. Susan has extensive experience in the management of large public sector organisations and working within complex political environments and remains a passionate advocate for public services.

 

Susan's appointment is for one year from 10 November 2025.