Sir Sandy Crombie, the first chair of Creative Scotland, is to leave the position after four years in the role. He will not seek a full second term but will stay on until the end of this year to help oversee the appointment of his successor.
Crombie’s tenure has been dogged by controversy and included the eventual resignation of the organisation’s chief executive Andrew Dixon in December 2012. New chief executive, Janet Archer, joined the organisation in June last year.
A former chief executive of Standard Life and a director of Royal Bank of Scotland, Crombie attracted criticism from many in the arts in Scotland over the approach Creative Scotland took under Dixon. It was felt by many that he should have stepped down at the same time as the organisation’s first chief executive.
Announcing his decision, he said: “This period has of course had its challenges, but we must not forget there have also been many successes to celebrate and enjoy. Creative Scotland is ready now to play its full part in seeing many more. I feel confident that Creative Scotland is now well established and in a good place in terms of leadership, direction, and budgets.”
Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government cabinet secretary for culture and external affairs, said: “Sir Sandy Crombie has played a key role in establishing Scotland’s national arts body, leading Creative Scotland through periods of change and transition and supporting the organisation to overcome the challenges of its first years of operation.
“More recently, Sir Sandy has steered the organisation through an important period of reflection and reorganisation and supported the development of its forthcoming 10-year plan. I thank Sir Sandy for his valuable contribution to Creative Scotland and his determined commitment to supporting Scottish arts and culture.”
