Executive Director change at Midsteeple Quarter

The Executive Director of Midsteeple Quarter is moving on after leading the organisation for four years.

Scott Mackay has been in his current role since 2021, having been the community benefit society’s manager in the year before that. His final day will be February 29th.

Kathryn Hill, a vastly experienced third sector professional who has been Midsteeple Quarter’s Community Engagement Activator since 2022, will step up to become Interim Executive Director following his departure.

Scott, a professional town planner, has been a significant figure in the organisation’s mission to create a better future for Dumfries town centre, with more buildings owned by - and working for - the community.

Balancing the demands of commitments at Midsteeple Quarter as the organisation’s work grows with those of his business interests as a planning and development consultant have led to his decision to move on.

As well as leading on work to bring a number of High Street properties into community ownership, Scott has also led the project to transform 135-139 High Street. Work there is due for completion this summer.

He said: “I am amazed by what the community has achieved in only a few years through Midsteeple Quarter. I have been privileged to be part of the journey so far. I look forward to the society’s continued success in breathing new life into Dumfries town centre, particularly as 135-139 High Street moves towards completion and plans are made for the next phase of work.”

Scott Mackay on the construction site at 135-139 High Street in Midsteeple Quarter. Picture: Kirstin McEwan

Midsteeple Quarter Chair, Peter Kormylo, added: “Scott’s commitment and determination has been incredibly influential in the achievements of Midsteeple Quarter so far. On behalf of the board - and the wider membership - I thank him for all that he has done and wish him well for the future.

“At the same time, we are looking forward to working with Kathryn in her new role as she steps up at what’s an exciting time for Dumfries High Street through our first major phase of construction, along with our other work.”

The recruitment process for the permanent Executive Director role will get underway in the coming months.

Once complete, 135-139 High Street - which will be known as The Standard - will boast new homes for rent and enterprise spaces - encouraging people to live in, work in and visit the High Street.

Midsteeple Quarter also owns 51 Bank Street, 109 High Street, 111 High Street (Flourish and Lolliography), The Smithy and The Press.