David Mann to Retire as Director of Scottish Maritime Museum
David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, has announced his retirement after 12 years of dedicated service at the helm of the nationally recognized maritime heritage collection. His successor, Matthew Bellhouse Moran, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Unicorn Preservation Society in Dundee and Vice Chair of Museums Galleries Scotland, will take over the reins.
Mann’s journey with the Scottish Maritime Museum Trust began in 2005 when he joined as the Clydebuilt Visitor Services Manager. Over the years, he advanced to the role of Operations Manager for the Museum’s two sites in Irvine and Dumbarton. In 2012, Mann assumed the position of Acting Director before officially becoming the Director and a Trustee in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Mann has overseen the enhancement of the Museum’s collection, which boasts some of the UK’s most historic vessels, through restoration projects and acquisitions.
Notable projects under Mann’s leadership include the £1.25m refurbishment of the Victorian Grade A Linthouse in 2013 and the restoration of significant vessels such as the 150-year-old MV Kyles and the 1884 Fife yacht Vagrant. The Museum’s acquisitions have also expanded to include works by renowned artists like John Bellany, FCB Cadell, and Muirhead Bone, contributing to the development of a new national maritime art collection.
In 2014, Mann played a pivotal role in establishing the Museum’s Scottish Boat Building School, aimed at preserving disappearing craft traditions and supporting local employment opportunities. The initiative led to the creation of Scotland’s first Modern Apprenticeship in Boat Building and Repair, with the Museum welcoming the country’s first apprentice to embark on this program.
Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Mann successfully steered the Museum towards resilience and strengthened community connections. His efforts extended beyond the Museum as he championed the industrial museums sector, regional tourism, and community development initiatives during his tenure.
As Mann prepares to pass the baton to Matthew Bellhouse Moran, the Scottish Maritime Museum looks towards a new chapter under fresh leadership, building upon the foundation laid by Mann’s legacy of dedication and passion for maritime heritage.