Local historian, musician and author Ian Scott has been appointed chair of the new Falkirk Community Trust Board this week.

The Trust is the new body that will take over the running of culture, leisure and strategic parks for Falkirk Council on 1st July.

Mr Scott, was previously Assistant Principal at Falkirk College where he taught history and in 1981, helped to establish Falkirk Local History Society, something he has been involved with ever since.

He has also been involved a number of publications that cover a diverse range of subjects including the local history of Falkirk; Scottish folk music and has a keen interest in Scottish literature

He is joined by Cllr Adrian Mahoney in his capacity as vice chair of the Trust Board and its current interim chair.

Ian Scott said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the Board of the new Trust. The Directors believe that the activities and services which will now be provided under the Trust’s management are vital to the health and well being of our community and we will do all in our power to earn the confidence of the staff, and of the whole community, in the months and years ahead.  

‘In the present economic climate the new Trust not only offers the chance to protect existing jobs and services but a real opportunity to build on what has already been achieved by developing new and exciting ideas in all the areas of the Trust’s work.

‘Of course complicated reorganisations of this kind are never easy and Council staff have done a terrific job to get us to this stage. We would ask everybody to be patient as the transfer of responsibilities is completed. No doubt we will face the odd snag here and there but with the support of everyone involved we can make the new system work for the benefit of the whole community.  

Cllr Adrian Mahoney added: ‘The new Trust is set to launch with a strong board, gathered from across Falkirk district.

‘The board covers a range of backgrounds - covering business, the voluntary sector, and culture and leisure. The independent directors bring a wealth of experience to the running of the new Trust and will make a positive contribution to the good governance of the new body. I thank them for stepping forward to take part in the board.’

Also joining the Board are independent directors, Bob Tait, Ann Cowen, Alex McQuade, and George Craig.

Mr Tait is a former music teacher in Denny High school and Principal Teacher of Music in Woodlands and Larbert High schools. He was more recently the first Administrator of the National Youth Choir of Scotland as well as the organist and choir-master of Falkirk Old and St Modan’s church for almost 45 years.

Mr McQuade has been a director of various companies for 30 years and is currently employed as a director of a property development company specialising in the development of industrial estates and business parks. He has also been President of Falkirk Rugby Club for 13 years.

Ms Cowen has been involved in a range of community activities and has helped establish a range of community groups, sports clubs and organisations. She has held leadership roles in various categories and runs her own business and is from Bo’ness.

Mr Craig is currently Managing Director at Falkirk Football Club and well known to community. He works closely to support a range of community groups and organisations and has a special interest in the Boys’ Brigade movement.