Three trustees join Shetland Arts

Shetland Arts has today announced the appointment of three new trustees to the board.

The three men, Alex Fenton, Alan Skinner and David Ramsay, have varied backgrounds and bring a range of skills to the role.

Board chairwoman Lorraine Hall said: “I am delighted that the public round of advertising for trustees brought forward three successful applicants with a wealth of experience in different areas and a true passion for the arts.”

Mr Fenton has 10 years’ experience in performing, recording and producing music, much of this gained running a community recording studio in Edinburgh.

He now works in business development and has experience in a wide range of projects. He is looking forward to bringing his perspective to the opportunities and challenges that Shetland Arts faces over the next few years.

Mr Skinner is a retired investment banker and wealth manager, who, with his wife, owns The Shetland Gallery in Yell.

He said: “I am a passionate believer in the importance of the arts in any civilised society, and have sponsored many arts organisations throughout my career.

“However, I also strongly believe that arts organisations have to be run in a very businesslike way. I hope to help Shetland Arts develop a crystal clear vision and strategy, which will be understood by all of its stakeholders, particularly the people of Shetland.”

Mr Ramsay moved to Shetland with his family two and a half years ago. He currently works as sales and events director for a charity, CWR, and travels regularly off Shetland on business. He hopes his background and experience in sales, marketing and events management in both the commercial and charity sector will be of benefit to Shetland Arts in the future.

As someone who has been involved in theatre both on stage and off, he is keen to see how Shetland Arts can develop over the next few years.

Three existing members of the board will come to the end of their term of the office at the end of the year, so the new recruits have time to get to know the business. Shetland Arts expects to hold a further round of recruitment following their departure, and is keen to recruit some youth voices to the board.