Public appointment: Members appointed to the Historic Environment Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Mr Robertson, today announced the appointment of Ian Baxter, Nkosana Mafico and David Richardson as Members of the Historic Environment Scotland Board.

Members

Ian Baxter is Professor of Historic Environment Management at Heriot-Watt University. He originally trained as an archaeologist at the University of Edinburgh and holds a PhD in heritage management from the University of Cambridge. Over a period of 30 years he has worked for a number of UK Universities in both academic and management roles and also within industry in visitor management and research consultancy roles. He has a particular interest in skills development, knowledge management and enhancement of the visitor experience in the heritage, conservation and tourism sectors. He works with a range of organisations to demonstrate the value of heritage in society and across a range of public policy areas.

Dr Nkosana Mafico is a Lecturer in Strategy at the University of Edinburgh Business School and serves as a member of the school’s Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability Committee. He specialises in organisation theory, sociology, and cross-cultural psychology. Prior to academia, Nkosana led a software startup backed by Australia’s largest telecommunications company. He also served as the Founder and Managing Director of the Council for Young Africans Living Abroad (CYALA), where he developed deep expertise in engaging with diaspora communities and navigating cross-cultural issues. Nkosana has held numerous governance roles across the social, government, and commercial sectors, including as a statutory advisor to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Queensland State Government, and as a non-executive director with the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community in Australia. Currently, Nkosana serves as a non-executive board member at the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

David Richardson has over 17 years of experience driving innovation, forging strategic partnerships, and collaborating across multiple sectors. He brings a strong background in technology commercialisation, with a background in AI and data science, and is highly skilled in building multidisciplinary teams and fostering collaboration. His career spans senior roles at Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, and Ernst & Young LLP, where he has successfully delivered high-impact projects and secured significant funding. Committed to deliver positive outcomes across Scotland, David’s experience will be instrumental in supporting Historic Environment Scotland’s strategic goals.

Appointment

The appointments will be for four years and will run from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2028.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointments are part-time and attracts a remuneration of £228 per day for a time commitment of up to two days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Dr Nkosana Mafico is a Non-Executive Director of the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, for which he receives remuneration of £208.16 per day, for a time commitment of 10 days per year.

Ian Baxter and David Richardson do not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Ian Baxter, Nkosana Mafico and David Richardson have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Historic Environment Scotland is a non-departmental public body with charitable status. They are governed by a Board of Trustees, who were appointed by Scottish Ministers. Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for more than 300 properties of national importance. Buildings and monuments in their care include Edinburgh Castle, Skara Brae, Fort George and numerous smaller sites, which together draw more than 5 million visitors per year.

Historic Environment Scotland are also responsible for internationally significant collections including more than 5 million drawings, photographs, negatives and manuscripts, along with 20 million aerial images of locations across the world. They invest circa £13 million a year in national and local organisations, supporting building repairs, protecting ancient monuments, monitoring archaeological work, creating sustainable futures for historic assets and the voluntary sector.