Sir Mark is stepping down as Chair when his second term ends in August 2025. He started in the role in August 2019, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic closed our charity’s properties and severely disrupted our operations.
Reflecting on that period for the National Trust for Scotland, Sir Mark says: ‘Looking back, I think we could say that the Trust emerged from COVID with less damage than might initially have been feared.
‘Our members stayed with us and supported our emergency appeal.
‘Both visitor numbers and the financial performance of the Trust have been impressive over the last couple of years, and Chief Executive Philip Long and all our staff and volunteers should feel proud that so many people choose to enjoy our beautiful places.’
Staff worked hard and imaginatively to re-open as soon as the situation permitted, and that has been good for the Trust’s reputation and for the retention of members and supporters.
From 8 August 2025, Dame Sue Bruce will take on the role of Chair at the National Trust for Scotland. Dame Sue is currently the Electoral Commissioner for Scotland and Convener of Court at the University of Strathclyde, a role she retires from in July. She has a wealth of experience in senior and Trustee roles within the public and charity sector, including serving as Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, and she has previously served as Chair of the King’s Foundation and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
From 2017–22 Dame Sue held the role of Chair of the National Trust for Scotland’s Nominations Committee, a sub-committee of the charity’s Board of Trustees that oversees the process for the appointment of senior executives and Trustee nominations. As a teenager, Dame Sue volunteered as a guide atCrathes Castle in Aberdeenshire, which was close to the family home.
Dame Sue Bruce says: ‘Sir Mark has done an immense job and I want to thank him and everyone involved for the excellent order in which I find the Trust.’
Dame Sue continued: ‘The National Trust for Scotland has been part of my life since childhood and I know first-hand the benefits to our wellbeing of spending time in beautiful and interesting places. I want members and supporters to feel this is their National Trust for Scotland and for our charity to become part of their daily lives too. I relish the idea of taking on this role and returning to the charity that I am so fond of.’
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