Skip to main content
Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 07/03/2024

The Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade, Richard Lochhead MSP, has announced the appointment of Stephen Leckie as the new Chair of VisitScotland.

Stephen is CEO and Executive Chair of Crieff Hydro, Scotland’s oldest registered trading company. He is a long-time advocate for Scotland’s wider tourism industry.

He is currently Chair of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, a committee member for UK Hospitality and Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross.

He intends to step down from his roles with the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Scottish Chamber of Commerce in the coming year.

Stephen brings a broad background to VisitScotland. As an operator of hotels, self-catering and attractions across different parts of rural Scotland, he’s well versed in the challenges and opportunities on the ground.

As a longstanding Chair, he’s also familiar with working to maximise the impact of boards and organisations.

Stephen will take over from our outgoing Chair Lord Thurso. The appointment is for three years, from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2027.

Read the Scottish Government announcement

Throughout my family’s many years in hospitality and tourism, I’ve considered VisitScotland a vital part of our industry. While its role has evolved over the years, its purpose remains the same – to grow the visitor economy that is so crucial to all parts of Scotland. I’m privileged to take up this position with VisitScotland and be part of that.

We all know times aren’t easy in our sector or indeed the wider economy, so there are undoubtedly challenges ahead. But with those challenges come new opportunities to promote our country as a top class, sustainable global destination.

I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the work of VisitScotland alongside my Board colleagues and the wider team as we work together on the next chapter of growth for Scottish tourism.

Stephen Leckie, incoming Chair of VisitScotland

Tourism is an economic and social powerhouse which sustains communities, creates jobs and attracts investment. As the national tourism organisation, we're committed to driving this visitor economy and growing its value to Scotland.

Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience which will support our vital work to help create better places for people to live, work and visit.

Malcolm Roughead OBE, Chief Executive of VisitScotland

Our Board

VisitScotland is the Scottish Government Non-Departmental Public Body responsible for promoting the interests of the tourism and events industry across Scotland.

The Board currently has eight members including our Chair. It gathers around six to eight times a year.

Members are responsible for approving the direction set out by the VisitScotland Management Team. They also provide general oversight of our practices to ensure proper management of the organisation.

Read more about our Board

Related links