She will take up her position later in the summer when Marguerite Hunter Blair OBE steps down

Play Scotland has announced the appointment of Mary Ramsay as its new chief executive.

The charity is the national organisation for the development and promotion of play in Scotland, working to ensure every child’s right to play is fully realised. 

Mary will take up her position later in the summer when Marguerite Hunter Blair OBE steps down after almost 20 years of successful leadership.

She joins from the Scottish Childminding Association where she has worked since 2021, following a previous role in Care and Learning Alliance.

With 18 years in the childcare sector, Mary brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the national and local play landscape alongside 17 years of service as an army reservist. 

Mary is thrilled to be appointed, saying: “Marguerite has been an inspiring and tireless advocate for children’s right to play, and I am grateful for the strong foundation she has built. I look forward to building on Marguerite’s legacy and working with the Play Scotland team and partners to ensure every child in Scotland has the opportunity to play.”

Play Scotland chair Paul Liddell said Mary’s appointment followed a rigorous process led by the board of trustees.

He added: “I am delighted to welcome Mary to lead the Play Scotland team. The board firmly believes that Mary will build on the successes achieved by Play Scotland during Marguerite’s tenure. The trustees look forward to supporting Mary as she leads our dynamic organisation in exciting future developments.”