DUNDEE Heritage Trust has announced that Jim Pettigrew is stepping down as its chairman after almost three years in the role.
Mr Pettigrew has led the independent charity through a period of exciting development at Discovery Point and helped raise significant funds to accelerate conservation plans across the Trust’s Dundee assets, including the social history museum Verdant Works. However, he has decided not to take the opportunity of serving a second term with the Trust.
Mr Pettigrew said: “I am incredibly proud to have worked with the great team at the Trust to protect and promote two amazing assets for my home city of Dundee. They form a core part of the tourism offering in the area. While they are much loved, they take a lot of work to keep to the high standards tens of thousands of tourists experience every year. Both Discovery and Verdant are close to my heart and to the people of Dundee and the team is well placed to continue to preserve the collections and improve the experience for visitors to keep them as the leading attractions they deserve to be.”
Dundee Heritage Trust cares for two five-star visitor attractions with collections recognised as national significance, RRS Discovery and Verdant Works.
The recent redevelopment had seen the addition of the hugely popular new Discovery Dome experience, a stunning 360-degree animation of Dundee as it was in 1901 when Discovery was built. The unique feature has sold out almost every day over the Easter holidays.
Dundee Heritage Trust’s Chief Executive, Deirdre Robertson, said: “I am beyond grateful to Jim for his incredible leadership these past three years. I will be eternally grateful for his vision and leadership during what has been an incredibly difficult period. The whole team wishes Jim the very best with his many other ventures and knows he will continue to be both a good friend and ambassador for Dundee Heritage Trust for many years to come.”
DHT Trustee David Henry will take over as Interim Chairman until a replacement for Mr Pettigrew is found. Mr Henry joined the board at the end of last year. Originally from Dundee, he is a chartered surveyor and accomplished polar adventurer, having skied to both poles.
A national search is now underway for Mr Pettigrew’s successor. Anyone interested in the role should send a CV and cover letter to admin@dundeeheritage.co.uk
