THE man who presided over the successful launch of the V&A Dundee museum is to become the next chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Philip Long OBE will take over as chief executive when current incumbent Simon Skinner retires in July.
Skinner was in charge when the NTS Board appointed high-profile anti-independence campaigner Neil Oliver as president.
Long is V&A Dundee’s founding director, having been appointed in 2011 to lead the development of all aspects of the new cultural institution from its early planning.
He went on to oversee the successful opening of the museum in September 2018.
Announcing his appointment, NTS stated: “He led the museum staff and the founding partnership of the V&A, Dundee City Council, the University of Dundee, Abertay University and Scottish Enterprise in delivering the first design museum in Scotland and the first V&A in the world outside London. Five hundred days from opening, V&A Dundee welcomed its one millionth visitor.
“The museum has received international critical recognition – including by Time Magazine as one of the world’s 100 greatest places of 2019 – and delivered an economic impact for Scotland of £75 million in the first 12 months after opening.”
Long was previously senior curator at the National Galleries of Scotland. He received an OBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List for services to culture and heritage.
Sir Mark Jones, chairman of the National Trust for Scotland said: “I can speak for the Board of Trustees in saying we are delighted that Philip Long has agreed to become the charity’s chief executive.
“His background in Scottish art and design is impeccable and his proven leadership skills, with which he led the V&A Dundee project to an acclaimed conclusion, will be a considerable asset to us as we face the challenges of the future.
“He has formidable knowledge of collections and exhibitions, which I am sure will be put to good use as we seek to make our properties more engaging and accessible to more people.
“I also want to offer my profound thanks to Simon Skinner. He has selflessly agreed to stay on longer as chief executive to ensure continuity of leadership pending Philip’s arrival in July.”
Long said that it was a great honour to have been considered for and appointed to the position.
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