Ivar Milligan takes up post as Chief Executive of The Crichton Trust 

The Crichton Trust has welcomed Ivar Milligan as its new Chief Executive, following his appointment to lead the charity based at The Crichton in Dumfries. 

Ivar joins the Trust with a strong track record in senior leadership and partnership working, combining Chief Executive experience in the charity sector with senior operational and commercial responsibilities in private-sector consulting and the military. His background in strengthening governance, managing risk, building high-performing teams, and developing cross-sector partnerships will support the Trust’s continued work to protect, develop, and champion The Crichton as a thriving destination for learning, enterprise, wellbeing, and community activity. 

Dr David Hall, Chair of The Crichton Trust, said:  

“We are delighted to welcome Ivar Milligan as our new Chief Executive. Ivar brings a depth of leadership experience and values that strongly align with the Trust’s mission. He joins a strong and capable team at an important moment for the Trust, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together, including building on recent milestones such as the UNESCO Memory of the World inscription, to strengthen The Crichton’s role in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway.” 

Ivar Milligan said:  

“I am honoured to be joining The Crichton Trust at such an exciting time. The Crichton is a remarkable place, rooted in history but focused firmly on the future, with huge potential to connect people, place and the past in ways that inspire learning, innovation and sustainable community growth. 

“Our team here at the Trust deliver the experience, expertise and day-to-day dedication that help to make The Crichton such a distinctive and valued place. Across the organisation, they bring a breadth of knowledge, professionalism and care to their work, providing a high-quality and diligent service to our tenants, partners, visitors and communities. As we look ahead, I’m keen to support the continued development and unification of our teams, building on their strengths and shared purpose to affirm our position as an employer of excellence. 

“I look forward to working with the Trust’s partners, our established and entrepreneurial tenants, the local community and stakeholders to create spaces and opportunities that foster collaboration and creativity, strengthen communities and support ambitious, sustainable plans for the site and its lasting impact for people, place and planet.” 

The appointment follows a national recruitment process that took place after the previous CEO, Gwilym Gibbons, stepped down in April. The Senior leadership team has led the organisation in the interim period.