Culture Perth and Kinross today announced that Chair of the Board, Lord Charles Kinnoull, and Vice Chair, Jason Elles CA are stepping down at the end of their terms after ten years of leadership. Sandie Dawe CBE and James Findlay KC will take over as co-chairs of the Culture Perth and Kinross Board of Trustees.  A third board member, CEO of The Exhibitions Group Reyahn King, will also step down after 5 years’ service.

Established in 2016, Culture Perth and Kinross will next year celebrate 10 years of charitable work. The organisation receives funding from Perth and Kinross Council and leads on the delivery of Perth Museum, Perth Art Gallery and Library services. The Trust has achieved many key milestones under Charles and Jason’s careful stewardship, including the successful opening of Perth Museum in March 2024, new home of the Stone of Destiny and the only Scottish Art Fund Museum of the Year Finalist in 2025.  The museum has attracted many awards and accolades, and has attracted more than 375,000 visitors since opening, bringing an economic boost to the area.

Perth Art Gallery recently added a privately-owned J.E. Millais collection to its permanent display, along with a large-scale neon Unicorn sculpture by acclaimed artist Chila Burman, a refreshed Hands On Art children’s area, and a display of historic photography in the building’s spectacular and historic Upper Rotunda. All public spaces in the gallery are now fully open for the first time in over 20 years.

Culture Perth and Kinross also operate 12 libraries across the region along with two mobile libraries, delivering the UK’s oldest continuous mobile library service. More than 4 million people have used CPK libraries under Charles and Jason’s tenure. The library service has also issued a whopping 3.4 million books, eBooks and Audiobooks to date.

Lord Kinnoull said “It has been a great privilege to have been involved with these first 10 years of Culture Perth and Kinross, filled as they have been with achievement by the charity. We have wonderful staff and volunteers and a strong and committed board. I thank them all.

Jason Elles added, “The first ten years of Culture Perth and Kinross have been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Highlighted by the opening of Perth Museum in 2024. Working with a top-class executive team and experienced Board has been a pleasure and we have built a firm foundation for the future. I have relished my time with Culture Perth and Kinross and wish it well for the years ahead.”

Both Sandie and James have sat on the Board of Trustees as ordinary members for several years and their co-leadership will move Culture Perth and Kinross forward as the charity heads towards its tenth year.

Sandie Dawe said “Charles has chaired Culture Perth & Kinross since its inception ten years ago – his wise and sure-footed leadership will be much missed. James and I are honoured to be taking over as co-chairs on Charles’s departure. The future holds challenges and opportunities: building on the success of the new Museum and the revitalised Art Gallery, we need to step up our fundraising efforts and to find new partners in order to provide the most rewarding and enjoyable cultural experiences for the people of Perth & Kinross.”

James Findlay added “Charles has led the Culture Perth and Kinross team with considerable success over the last 10 years, not just with the new museum and rejuvenated art gallery but also developing Culture Perth and Kinross as an efficient and effective organisation notwithstanding the significant budget constraints it operates under.  With Sandie, it is both an honour and exciting opportunity to take over as co-chair.  Culture Perth and Kinross both faces significant challenges but also has great opportunities. Together with Perth and Kinross Council, it seeks to make a significant positive impact in both Perth and the wider Council area to the benefit of all groups.”

All Culture Perth and Kinross Board Members work with the charity on a voluntary basis and do not receive payment for their role. The Board meets quarterly in full, as well as through additional sub-committees and working groups designed to ensure robust scrutiny and governance of the charity.

Lord Kinnoull, Jason Elles and Reyhan King, will step down at the end of November and new incoming trustees will be announced shortly.