St Margaret’s Trust – the performance, arts and heritage charity that operates a thriving venue in the Braemar – has announced the appointment of a new chair to drive forward its next phase of development.
Since its formation in 2015, the trust has found a new purpose as a popular community-led events space for the former A-listed Episcopal Church of St Margaret, which sits in a prominent and central location in the Deeside village.
The building, completed to a design by Sir John Ninian Comper in 1901, is considered the renowned architect’s highland masterpiece.
The newly appointed chair, Fergus Mutch, is managing partner of strategic advisory firm True North and has been a trustee of St Margaret’s since 2020.
During that time, the trust has delivered an increasingly ambitious programme of concerts and events, gaining a reputation for bringing world-class talent to Braemar.
Performances in recent years have included Grammy-nominated country singer Suzy Bogguss, Mercury Prize-shortlisted jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie, Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis, Scottish Album of the Year singer-songwriter Adam Holmes, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (concert attended by HM The King) and Scottish folk legends Capercaillie.
In conjunction with the Fife Arms hotel, the Braemar Literary Festival has brought stars such as actors Alan Cumming and Dame Judi Dench and authors Sebastian Faulks and William Boyd to the St Margaret’s stage.
Fergus Mutch replaces Brian Wood who has overseen an incredible renaissance of St Margaret’s over the past decade and will continue as a member of the board of trustees.
With two further trustees completing their term on the board of St Margaret’s, the charity is calling for expressions of interest from new trustees to be made in writing to admin@stmargaretsbraemar.org.uk
St Margaret’s Trust works in close partnership with Historic Churches Scotland, the owners of the venue which remains on the Buildings at Risk Register. Together the two charities are advancing plans to restore and renovate the venue in the coming years.
Commenting, Fergus Mutch said: “St Margaret’s is a one-of-a-kind venue – a magnificent space for music, performances, arts and events – in the historic and beautiful surrounds of the village of Braemar.
“Its transformation from disused church to thriving community space has been over a decade’s work for a committed and energetic team of volunteers and it has been a great privilege to be involved over the past four years.
“Our departing chair Brian Wood has been a central, driving force in its development over that time and I’m delighted that he will continue to offer his support and wise counsel on our board of trustees.
“We are looking forward with purpose to sensitively transforming this iconic building into a truly world-class venue for the arts that will serve the community of Braemar and draw more visitors from across the country and beyond.
“As we embark on that next chapter, we’re looking for four new trustees to join our board – people who share our drive and commitment to community, culture and protecting Scotland’s heritage.”
Brian Wood said: “St Margaret’s has come a long way in the last 10 years. In trying to save this important Grade A-Listed building we aimed to create a new reason for people to come to Braemar.
“For decades visitors have come for the landscapes, the winter sports, the wildlife, the royal connection and of course the famous Braemar Gathering. Now they also come for the music and the art.
“St Margaret’s has gained a reputation for attracting musicians and artists of the highest quality to the Highlands and audiences have responded by flocking to the village in large numbers to see their favourite performers.
“As I hand over the reins to Fergus we look forward to an exciting future where we can secure the structure of the building and deliver significant improvements to the experience of both audiences and performers alike.”