David Mann to retire from Scottish Maritime Museum

The Scottish Maritime Museum Trust has announced that David Mann is to retire at the end of March after 12 years as its director.

He will be succeeded by Matthew Bellhouse Moran, the chief executive of the Unicorn Preservation Society in Dundee, who will continue with the trust’s plans to develop a new waterside gallery and events space as part of Irvine Harbourside’s £14m regeneration.

Mann has been involved in Ayrshire tourism for more than 25 years, including as director of Ayrshire and Arran Destination Alliance. He joined the Scottish Maritime Museum in 2005 as Clydebuilt visitor services manager, became operations manager for the museum’s two sites in Irvine and Dumbarton in 2008, and was appointed acting director in 2012 and then director the following year.

He was previously chair of Industrial Museums Scotland for nine years and is a current director of Ayrshire Community Trust and a member of Irvine Town Board.

“We are hugely indebted to David for his contribution to the development of the Scottish Maritime Museum,” said Lawrie Sinclair, the chair of the Scottish Maritime Museum Trust. “Through his leadership and enthusiasm for our maritime past, we have gone from strength to strength to become one of the premier museums in Scotland.

“David has also made the Scottish Maritime Museum a significant asset in the communities in which we operate, which is a key part of our role as a nationally recognised museum. Today, we support local businesses, community wellbeing and regional tourism around our museums in Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire.”

Moran was a curator at the Scottish Maritime Museum for five years but left in 2021 to join the Unicorn Preservation Society in Dundee. He has led the charity through significant organisational change including the development of the multi-million pound Project Safe Haven to relocate Scotland’s oldest ship, HMS Unicorn, to Dundee’s East Graving Dock.

“We are delighted to welcome Matthew back onboard,” said Sinclair. “He hits the ground running with an invaluable knowledge of the museum and collections. He also brings with him experience of driving major projects and holding senior advisory positions within the industry.

“Both will be key to developing the museum, particularly realising the exciting new Maritime Heritage Hub planned for Irvine Harbourside.”

The Unicorn Preservation Society has appointed Andrew Tibbs as its interim chief executive following Moran’s departure.