Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson has revealed that Angela Leitch CBE will chair the independent review into Creative Scotland.
The appointment comes after Dame Sue Bruce withdrew from the role last month on health grounds.
The review was announced last year “to ensure its operations and structure are optimal to the needs of the culture sector.” It’s the first time the organisation has been reviewed since it was established in 2010.
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This morning, Robertson also confirmed that Stuart Currie would be Vice Chair. He also added that the timeframe to publish recommendations would be extended until November, “to allow the new Review team sufficient time to gather and consider evidence from the sector.”
“Both Angela and Stuart bring a wealth of local government and public sector experience,” he stated.
“With the 2025-26 Scottish Budget including a record £34 million uplift for culture, including an additional £20 million for Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme, the review will consider Creative Scotland’s functions and remit to maximise the impact of this increase and ensure it can meet the culture sector’s needs.
“In the meantime, I welcome the fact that our survey seeking the culture sector’s views on how culture and the arts are currently supported and areas for change, received more than 750 responses from individuals and organisations across Scotland. This feedback, which will be published later this Spring, will no doubt inform the independent Creative Scotland review.”
Leitch has more than 30 years’ experience in local government, having worked in West Lothian and the City of Edinburgh councils before becoming Chief Executive firstly in Clackmannanshire Council and then East Lothian Council.
In 2019 Angela was appointed as the Chief Executive of the newly formed Public Health Scotland, which played a major role in producing data, evidence and advice throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. She stepped down from this role in April 2023.
Angela was Convenor of the Board of the Scottish Local Authority Remuneration Committee, she is also a member of the Accounts Committee and the Scottish Police Authority and Chair of YouthLink Scotland.
“Culture and the arts provide us with a sense of belonging, preserving our history and traditions, and promoting an understanding of different perspectives. It’s well recognised that the sector and the people who work within it contribute significantly to Scotland’s society, our communities, and the economy,” stated Leitch.
“It’s also recognised that the context cultural organisations and artists are now operating in has changed considerably since Creative Scotland was established in 2010. I welcome the opportunity to work with colleagues in Creative Scotland and across the sector to review its remit and functions with a view to ensuring it continues to be relevant today.”
