Dundee Heritage Trust, the independent charity that cares for both the internationally significant historic ship, RRS Discovery, and Verdant Works, Dundee’s much loved social history and jute museum, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Pettigrew as its new Chair, taking over from Andy Lothian, Chief Executive Officer of Insights Group, when he retires as Chair at the end of October, after over 11 years’ service to the charity.
Jim is originally from Dundee and has had an exceptionally distinguished international career, bringing extensive chairing experience. He recently retired as Chair of Clydesdale Bank, is a past president of ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) and past Chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise (trade association for Scottish Financial services industry). He also Chaired the Judging Panel for the Courier Business Awards for 3 years and is currently Senior Independent Director of wealth manager Rathbones Plc and Chairman of asset manager BlueBay.
Jim’s fit with Dundee Heritage Trust could not be more perfect. His family were involved in the jute industry so he has a real soft spot for Verdant Works. He also adores RRS Discovery and the museum at Discovery Point, which tells the story of the famous ship, built in Dundee and sailed to Antarctica by Adventurers Scott and Shackleton in the world’s first scientific research mission – work still used by climate scientists to this day. Jim has long had a passion for historic ship conservation. He served on the Foundation Board of PS Waverley and as an advisor for other important ship conservation projects, including to the Charity which has successfully returned the former Clyde turbine steamer Queen Mary to Glasgow.
Dundee Heritage Trust trustee Rick Clark, who led the Chair recruitment process, said, “Trustees were delighted to have attracted such an incredibly strong field for the role of Chair and to now be appointing someone of Jim’s world-class calibre.”
Andy Lothian, who will continue his involvement in Dundee Heritage Trust in an ambassadorial capacity while it continues its ambitious fundraising efforts to redevelop Discovery Point and conserve RRS Discovery said, “It is fantastic that Jim brings such a rich network of national and international connections to Dundee, and has such strong bonds with the city and our charity’s mission and culture. It has been a real privilege to work with the team at Dundee Heritage Trust and I am delighted at the opportunity to contribute further through the warm relationships established beyond my formal tenure as Chair. I very much look forward to working with Jim through this transition.”
Deirdre Robertson, CEO of Dundee Heritage Trust said, “We are forever indebted to Andy Lothian for the critical leadership role he has played in Dundee Heritage Trust’s development since 2009 – for steering us through the stunning High Mill redevelopment, the shaping of our exciting redevelopment plans for Discovery Point, through the uncertainties of lockdown and our recent reopening at both sites. It’s a real tribute to him, the rest of the board and the whole team here at Dundee Heritage Trust that the value of what they have achieved over so many years has attracted such high calibre Chair candidates and I’m so thrilled both to have someone of Jim’s stature, experience and enthusiasm joining us and also to know that Andy will be continuing his involvement in an ambassadorial capacity.”
Jim Pettigrew said, “What the team at Dundee Heritage Trust have created at both Discovery Point and Verdant Works is amazing. It’s incredible that such a small independent charity now runs two five star rated fully accredited museums, holds collections of recognised national and international significance and consistently achieves such high customer rankings on Trip Advisor. I’m honoured and humbled to have been offered the role and very much look forward to working with the team on the next part of their journey.