The Scottish Arts Council has appointed Ian Smith as the new Head of Music

Ian Smith has a strong musical background, most recently representing the Musician’s Union in Scotland.  For the last 12 years Ian has been the Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Organiser for the Musicians’ Union and has also held the UK position of Folk, Roots & Traditional Music Section Organiser. He was previously a musician with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) as Co-Principal horn.

On his appointment Ian Smith commented ‘I am delighted to take up the post as Head of Music at the Scottish Arts Council where I can continue to develop my life-long passion for music and the arts.’

‘This is a very good time to be taking up this position and I look forward to the challenges which lie ahead.’

Graham Berry, Director the Scottish Arts Council welcomed the appointment stating ‘We are delighted to have a person of Ian’s calibre on board.  He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the music field in Scotland and I am sure that he will prove an excellent addition to the team.’

Ian Smith replaces Nod Knowles who is leaving the Scottish Arts Council to take up the position of Chief Executive at Bath Festivals Trust.  Nod congratulated Ian by saying - ‘I am delighted to be handing over the reins to a person of Ian’s undoubted skills and expertise.  Few people care more about music in Scotland than Ian does and I wish him all the best.’ 

In his new position Ian Smith will take on responsibility for one of the largest budgets of the Scottish Arts Council.  The remit includes overseeing the support for three of Scotland’s national companies – the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) and Scottish Opera; ensuring music provision across the spectrum of musical styles and across the whole country and delivering the Youth Music Initiative on behalf of the Scottish Executive.