Scottish heritage boss stands down less than a year into role

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative culture spokesman, said the chairman’s premature resignation was further evidence of the SNP’s “chronic mismanagement of this toxic quango.”

He said: “Historic Environment Scotland has spent years mired in scandal and crisis while the former culture secretary, Angus Robertson, was asleep at the wheel, failing to engage with the board and misleading parliament about his supervision of the organisation.

“Now the man brought in by the SNP to sort out the bullying and grotesque misuse of funds has thrown in the towel after barely a year in the post.

“HES receives more than £70m worth of taxpayers’ money every year, so nationalist ministers must sort out this mess immediately.”

Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Scottish government is grateful to Sir Mark for his service.

“During a period of significant scrutiny and change, he has provided strong leadership.

“We appreciate his commitment and the valuable contribution he has made.”