IMPACT Scotland appoints four new trustees

IMPACT Scotland is delighted to welcome four new trustees to its board, further strengthening the wealth of expertise guiding the creation of Edinburgh’s first purpose-built music venue in over 100 years.

Bringing diverse experience from fields including public policy, charities, law, music, and leadership, Roddy Hart, Yvette Hopkins, Shonaig Macpherson and Katherine Peskett will support the next phase of this landmark project, ensuring the Dunard Centre becomes a transformative cultural space for Edinburgh and beyond.

A wealth of expertise

Roddy Hart is an Emmy Award-winning songwriter, composer, and broadcaster. Renowned for his work in film, television, and theatre, he has collaborated with global artists and curated the hugely popular Roaming Roots Revue for Celtic Connections. A long-standing voice in Scotland’s music scene, he also presents The Roddy Hart Show and The Quay Sessions for BBC Radio Scotland. 

Yvette Hopkins brings a unique blend of military, commercial, and non-profit leadership, with extensive experience of leading teams and large complex organisations in multiple high-stakes environments, domains and sectors. With a distinguished career in the US military and extensive experience across sectors including space, sustainable construction, charities and women’s enterprise, she is a dedicated champion of innovation and leadership development.

Shonaig Macpherson CBE FRSE is an experienced chair, trustee, and non-executive director, with a career spanning the legal, cultural, and charitable sectors. An advocate for the transformative power of culture, Shonaig has significant experience in the heritage, arts and culture sector. She has played a key role in shaping some of Scotland’s most significant arts organisations, including the National Trust for Scotland, the Royal Lyceum Theatre, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Katherine Peskett is a senior leader in the Scottish Government, with extensive experience in public policy and leadership development. Currently overseeing the government’s response to the UK and Scottish Covid-19 Inquiries, she previously held responsibility for Scotland’s universities, colleges, and skills system. A passionate advocate for education and lifelong learning, she brings deep strategic insight and a keen understanding of public engagement.

A shared vision for the future

Shonaig Macpherson said: “It is exciting to be part of a major cultural project driven by an extraordinary philanthropic effort to invest in Edinburgh’s cultural infrastructure. A signal of confidence in Edinburgh’s importance as a cultural capital, I am looking forward to working with Ronnie Bowie and Jo Buckley to deliver a world-class facility that everyone who has a passion for music can enjoy.”

These appointments mark another significant step forward for the Dunard Centre, ensuring it will be not only an exceptional venue for live performance but also a welcoming, inclusive space for artists, audiences and the wider community.