Iain Munro, the chief executive of Creative Scotland, has announced he will step down from his role at the end of the year after nearly eight years in charge. Munro, who earns more than £110,000 annually, leaves the Scottish Government agency responsible for supporting the nation's arts and culture sector.
Career and Achievements
Munro's career spans three decades in Scotland's cultural sector, beginning at the Scottish Arts Council in 1996. According to Creative Scotland, Munro was "central" to launching National Lottery funding for culture in Scotland and an "integral" part of creating Screen Scotland, which drives film and television development. He also oversaw the introduction of multi-year funding for cultural organisations, which the arts body said "transformed the landscape of support across the country."
Criticism and Controversy
Despite these achievements, Munro's leadership faced criticism. An independent review in 2025 called for Creative Scotland to be overhauled, citing "crippling bureaucracy" and a lack of ambition. The organisation also faced backlash in 2024 over a decision to fund the Rein project, an art installation involving non-simulated sexual acts, to the tune of £84,555. The funding was later withdrawn.
Successor and Future
Creative Scotland said recruitment for Munro's successor will begin shortly. The new chief executive will earn more than £110,000 per year and oversee a budget of roughly £100 million in coming years.
Robert Wilson, chairman of Creative Scotland, said: "Iain has been a tireless champion of Scotland’s culture and creativity for 30 years and his positive contribution to the sector, and to public life more broadly, has been immeasurable. We are all thankful to him for everything that he has achieved. Looking forward, the Creative Scotland Board has now instigated a recruitment process for Iain’s replacement, and we look forward to a high level of interest in an opportunity of such significance."
Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan added: "I am grateful to Iain for more than 30 years of dedication and hard work to Scotland’s culture and creative sector. That was never better demonstrated than the role he played in supporting Scotland’s creative industries through the Covid pandemic. I thank him for his service to public life and wish him all the best for the future."
