Alison Magee to stand down as Big’s Scotland Chair

Alison Magee (center) at the Merkinch Community Centre for the launch of Community Spaces Scotland

The Chair of the BIG Lottery Fund’s Scotland Committee, Alison Magee, has announced her intention to step down from her post later in 2011 at the end of her current period of appointment.

Speaking today, Ms Magee said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity that BIG has given me to work with so many of Scotland’s diverse communities, but I feel that now is the right time for me to retire. After five positive and enjoyable years as the Scotland Chair of the Big Lottery Fund I have been privileged to meet with communities and individuals in some of the most remote parts of the country as well as developing partnerships with those in our vibrant cities and towns. Each community has their own set of needs, and all have huge potential to build a better future with help and support from of BIG.

“As well as meeting so many of those in Scotland whose lives have been changed for the better thanks to Lottery funding, I’ve found it immensely interesting to act as Scotland’s voice on the Big Lottery Fund’s UK Board. This role has been both rewarding and a very important aspect of the Scotland Chair’s role.

“I’d like to thank the members of the Scotland Committee and UK Board, and all the staff at the Big Lottery Fund for their help and support over the past five years. I’m very grateful to have received the support of so many of our partners, from the Scottish Government to third sector organisations and local government, in taking our work forward. Most of all I’d like to thank those individuals up and down the country who work tirelessly to secure a better future for their own communities wherever they may be. I wish everyone all the very best in the future.”

The BIG Lottery Fund’s Scotland Director, Jackie Killeen said:

“In the five years since Alison’s appointment she has guided the delivery of our Scotland Committee’s decision making role while helping to prepare a firm foundation for our organisation’s future role in supporting communities and individuals most in need. During this time she has been a firm advocate of all those we seek to support though Lottery investment, from vulnerable young people to those living in communities isolated from mainstream society. We wish her well in the future.”

The Scottish Government are currently recruiting for a new Scotland Committee Chair. Full details can be found at www.appointed-for-scotland.org  .