We are delighted to welcome new trustees to our Board! This boost in trustees follows our successful application to Creative Scotland's Multi-Year Funding for 2025-2028, and further adds stability to Brunton Theatre Trust's operations for the coming years.
The trustees play a crucial role in ensuring sound governance and overseeing the financial and strategic direction of The Trust by contributing from their areas of expertise. They are all either based in or have strong connections with East Lothian and have a passion for arts, culture, performance and creative learning and the powerful impact this has on a community.
The new trustees:
Tony Cownie - a professional theatre director who has worked with many organisations including the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the National Theatre of Scotland as well as large scale commercial projects.
The Brunton holds many fond memories for me both as an actor and audience member. Now a resident in these parts - I’m looking forward to playing my part in bringing the wonderful gift of theatre to the good people of East Lothian.
Tony Cownie
Nicola Kenny - an independent digital and marketing consultant who has worked with a broad spectrum of organisations including Edinburgh International Festival, Social Bite, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and the Scottish Government.
I am looking forward to working with the team to not only support them with my skills and experience, but also to play a part in securing a long and rich future for Brunton Theatre Trust. As a relatively new resident in Musselburgh, I can see how their work and the building play such an important role in the community and I am determined to see that continue.
Nicola Kenny
Lewis Normand - a Scottish dance artist whose career spans performance, choreography and teaching. His experience across a range of creative contexts provides valuable insight into the broader cultural landscape.
I am thrilled to join the board of The Brunton at this pivotal moment in its journey. I was drawn to the organisation’s innovative approach and its strong legacy of programming dance. As a young, independent artist, I look forward to bringing my perspective and contributing to the theatre’s continued success.
Lewis Normand
Emma Pirie - a senior marketing and communications professional at the University of Edinburgh, supporting R&D programmes that drive innovation, collaboration, and growth in the creative industries.
I am thrilled to join Brunton Theatre Trust’s Board of Trustees. As a resident of East Lothian, I care deeply about the cultural life of the area and the opportunities available to those who live here. I am particularly keen to support the Trust’s future development and its commitment to accessibility and creative learning, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive as a vibrant and vital part of our community.
Emma Pirie
Tony Reekie – Executive Director of Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, East Lothian’s full-time professional company for children and young people. Tony has lived in East Lothian for 26 years and has worked in the performing arts for 35 years, predominantly in work for children and young people. He was previously CEO of Imaginate and Director of The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival for 20 years.
I look forward to working with the Trust, in challenging times, to ensure that our communities across East Lothian receive the best possible arts provision.
Tony Reekie
Pamela Walker - Senior Producer at Imaginate, delivering the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, overseeing Theatre in Schools Scotland, and managing creative development and other key international projects.
I have joined the Brunton Theatre Trust Board to help support its essential role in East Lothian’s cultural life. Having lived in Musselburgh for over 15 years, I’ve seen how arts opportunities can transform and connect communities. With over 20 years of experience in theatre and dance - connecting with the Brunton Theatre and East Lothian schools throughout my role at Imaginate, I look forward to contributing creative solutions and strategic thinking to help The Brunton thrive and continue delivering cultural experiences, particularly for young people, families and communities.”
Pamela Walker
They join existing trustees:
Michael Stitt - Director of Development at Fettes College, he has held previous roles across the arts, education, and charity sectors, including positions at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, University of Edinburgh and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.
I became a trustee to support the development of arts and culture in East Lothian. I grew up in Port Seton and had visited The Brunton ever since my school days. I have worked for arts organisations in the past and hopefully can bring some relevant experience from that and other charitable sectors I have worked in.
Michael Stitt
Richard Butt - Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Queen Margaret University. Prior to this he was Head of Division for Media, Communication and Performing Arts managing the design, development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in film, public relations and performing arts.
Richard Butt
Dan Sharp - a public affairs and communications professional, with a track record of navigating complex policy landscapes. He currently leads inward investment and PR at Stirling Council.
The Brunton has always been special to me. As a teenager, I was involved with several drama groups, including Brunton Youth Theatre – and I even did my work experience placement with The Brunton’s Box Office. Twenty years on, as a Trustee, I’m keen to ensure the performing arts have a vibrant future in East Lothian, and that The Brunton continues its role in connecting our communities with culture.
Dan Sharp
Councillor Andy Forrest - a local councillor for 23 years and currently Convener of Housing and Property Maintenance and Depute Provost of East Lothian Council. He has been a community activist for the last 30 years with a deep passion for serving his community.
The reason I am a trustee on the Brunton Theatre Trust is that I have a strong passion for Musselburgh and I believe that you need a strong voice to promote what is needed. There has a to be a strong arts presence in this area of East Lothian and it has to be based in Musselburgh with the close proximity to Edinburgh.
Councillor Andy Forrest
Councillor Colin McGinn - a local councillor elected to represent the new Tranent/Wallyford/Macmerry ward and Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure. Colin is from Tranent and has been involved in various local youth and community activities for over 25 years, including Tranent Children’s Gala, Tranent Juniors, Recharge and Tranent Colts. He is also a Trustee and Vice-Chair of the Walk with Scott Foundation.
Brunton Theatre Trust (The Brunton) is a Scottish Charity, based in East Lothian and established in 1994. The Brunton exists to bring the very best theatre, music, dance, comedy, children’s theatre, film and participatory activities to the region for the enjoyment and enrichment of the communities that the Trust serves. The Trust operates in East Lothian and the surrounding areas with the aim of promoting access to, participation in, and enjoyment of the arts and culture for all. It also supports creative learning and community development.
To deliver this, The Brunton presents a year-round high-quality performance programme, blending commercial programming alongside more artistic work to entertain, challenge and delight audiences. The breadth of the programming is ambitious and seeks to represent the diversity of East Lothian and Scotland, taking account of the interests and aspirations of all communities across the region.
In addition to offering a high-quality programme of arts events for audiences to attend at its venues, The Brunton also provides inclusive opportunities for involvement and participation in the arts through creative learning and community development activities, via Brunton Performing Arts Network (BPAN). This network delivers dance and drama classes for all ages across the community, and centres upon fruitful and meaningful collaboration, particularly with partners at East Lothian Council and local community groups.
The Trust’s venues at Brunton Hall, were closed with immediate effect in March 2023 following the discovery of RAAC in the building. Since then, the team have pivoted to use alternative spaces across the region including the Corn Exchange in Haddington, Loretto Theatre and Northesk Church in Musselburgh. The Trust is now working on a longer-term plan to strengthen the organisation and the customer experience in these spaces, until the Brunton Hall is replaced.
