Now on show... new leader of the'˜inspiring' gallery and Rotunda

Paul Hollins will replace Professor Peter Rawson, who has taken a new role after eight years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the trust and its enthusiastic and committed staff during its formative years.” said Mr Rawson .

“Paul will bring invaluable experience to take us forward in the challenging times ahead.”

Mr Hollins, who lives in North Yorkshire with his wife and children, has extensive organisational and management experience at senior level – after directing two major research institutes at the University of Bolton.

“I am delighted to be appointed as the chairman of Scarborough Museums Trust,” said Mr Hollins. “I look forward to building on the outstanding work of previous chairman Professor Peter Rawson, trustees and executive team led by chief executive officer Debbie Seymour.”

The role of the chairman at Scarborough Museums Trust is to provide is to encourage and enable the board to fulfil its responsibilities for the trust’s overall governance and strategic direction.

It says that it aims to inspire the people of Scarborough and beyond through the preservation and display of the collections and the stories they tell.

Scarborough Museums Trust’s chief executive, Debbie Seymour, said: “The team is really looking forward to working with Paul.

“We have exciting times ahead of us at the trust and we hope the people of Scarborough and visitors to the town will be inspired by our plans.”

Mr Hollins added: “I am honoured to be helping the team develop the Rotunda and Scarborough Art Gallery and look forward to playing an active role in the Scarborough community.”

• Do you have ideas for the displays and exhibitions at the art gallery or the Rotunda – and how would you increase visitor numbers to these two important public institutions?

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