Edinburgh City of Literature Trust Welcomes Three New Trustees

The City of Literature Trust is delighted to welcome three new Trustees to its Board as it looks towards the future of Edinburgh’s literary development.

Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts, Jane Spiers, Senior Finance and Operations Professional, Angus McCallum, and Chief Executive Officer of The Super Power Agency, Gerald Richards, will be joining the Board at an exciting time as the Trust takes its next steps in the development of the Literature House project.

Ruth Plowden, Chair of the City of Literature Trust said: “These three new trustees will bring vital additional skills to our Board as we embark on the next stage of our ambitious project to develop a Literature House and Literary Quarter at the heart of the Royal Mile.

Jane, Angus and Gerald are all leaders in their fields. Their reach and experience complements the talent and expertise of our existing trustees. We are well-placed to breathe new life into Edinburgh’s UNESCO designation and to provide a welcoming home for Scotland’s readers, writers and visitors. We are delighted they have agreed to join us and look forward to achieving great things together in the future.”

The appointments were made after a public call produced a strong list of applicants with expertise in finance, large-scale building projects, and community engagement. The diverse range of talented candidates revealed just how many individuals share the Trust’s passion for promoting and celebrating Edinburgh’s literary story.

Jane Spiers said: “It’s a book lover’s dream! Edinburgh’s vibrant literary scene is at the heart of cultural life in the city. I’m thrilled and honoured to be joining Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature at such an exciting time as imaginative plans for the literary quarter and Literature House take shape.”

As Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts, Jane Spiers carries experience in leading and managing capital projects. She was previously the Chief Executive of the Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, with further experience as Head of Literature at the Southern Arts Board. In 2017 she was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland for her contribution to arts and architecture. She was also the project leader for The Stirling Tolbooth, which won the Crown Estate Conservation Award for the best work of conservation of an architecturally significant building in the UK.

Angus McCallum said: “Covid has thrown up barriers to our connectedness which literature can break down. I am very excited at this opportunity to play a part in Edinburgh City of Literature Trust's mission to strengthen the global cultural network.”

Angus McCallum is a Senior Finance and Operations Professional, with experience in analysing governance and operational processes. He has worked variously as Head of Risk, Regulatory Support, Information Security, Financial Crime and Internal Audit at AEGON Scottish Equitable Plc, and Finance and Operations Director at LEBC Group Ltd. Angus was also a previous Board Member of Fire Exit Theatre, and has a strong interest in the promotion of literature and reading.

Gerald Richards said: “I am honoured and thrilled to be joining the City of Literature Trust's Board of Trustees. The Trust has been doing great work to uplift the profile and awareness of Scottish literature and literary artists past, present and future. I’m looking forward to adding my skills and expertise to help them continue their work.”

Gerald Richards is the Chief Executive Officer of the Super Power Agency, a nonprofit focused on youth writing and creative expression based in Edinburgh. He is also the Founder and Director of B & G, a consultancy that believes individuals and organisations flourish best by being creative, clear about their purpose and by telling a better story about what they do. Offering individual coaching, a range of workshops and bespoke training programmes, the consultancy works in both London and Edinburgh.

The new Trustees will take the current board from eight to eleven. They come from a diverse range of cultural and professional backgrounds, with the motivation to help the Trust achieve its vision of continuing to strengthen the literary legacy and future of Edinburgh.