Catherine Muirden has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of the National Galleries of Scotland, starting 1 November 2025 for a four-year term. Muirden brings extensive experience from the corporate sector, including roles at Barclays, Marks & Spencer, and the John Lewis Partnership, as well as over two decades of arts board service in Scotland, most recently as Vice Chair of Scottish Ballet and previously as Chair of the Fruitmarket Gallery. She succeeds Benny Higgins, who led the board through a period of significant challenges.
The appointment comes as the National Galleries of Scotland prepares to open The Art Works, a major new facility in North Edinburgh that will serve as a community space, conservation lab, research center, and art storage hub, allowing the public to explore 130,000 artworks. Muirden's priorities include safeguarding the national collection, strengthening public engagement through The Art Works, and securing sustainable funding. The project, approved in 2023, represents a significant investment in making Scotland's art collection more accessible and underscores the institution's commitment to expanding its public reach.