About Us

The Melrose Music Festival (to become the Borders Music Festival in 2026) celebrates creativity, collaboration, and community. Each September, we bring world-class artists and local talent together in Melrose and across the Borders — inspiring audiences and young people through music of the highest quality.

We are a Scottish charity Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Our Vision statement (2024) sets out that we exist “to celebrate artistic excellence through exploration, collaboration, and community engagement, enriching lives across the Borders though music and the arts”.

Central therefore to what we offer are our three overall aims:

• To support projects that assist young people to come to music, especially those who might not have access to music and music tuition (for whatever reason);
• To promote the best of local talent: the Borders has a fantastic and diverse musical talent base of its own; and,
• To bring in musicians with a national and international reputation to perform world class music here in the Borders (preferably with some community engagement in doing so).

We are governed by a small Board which at present includes our Artistic Director Robert Marshall who oversees the artistic vision and delivery of the Festival. It is an emerging Festival with growing links and support - it was described as being in the top 10 music event destinations in Scotland for September 2025 in the Herald.

As we continue to grow and strengthen our charitable foundations, we are seeking a Chair of the Board to provide clear, compassionate leadership and help guide the Festival through its next stage of development.

The Role

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance, accountability and strategic direction for the Festival. Working closely with the Artistic Director/CEO and fellow Trustees, the Chair supports a culture that values artistic excellence, community participation, and sustainable growth.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring that the Festival’s activities reflect its charitable purposes and long-term vision.

• Support, guide, and challenge the Artistic Director and Festival team as a constructive partner.

• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing strategy, ensuring good financial stewardship and compliance with the requirements of OSCR.

• Champion good governance, inclusion and transparency in all aspects of our work.

• Act as an ambassador for the Festival — representing us to funders, partners, artists, and the wider community.

• Support Board recruitment and development, ensuring the organisation benefits from diverse perspectives and skills.

About You

We are looking for someone with strong leadership and governance experience who shares our

belief in the power of music and the arts to strengthen communities.

Essential qualities:

• Experience of leadership in the charity, cultural, or community sector.

• A good understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of a Scottish charity trustee.

• Strategic thinker with integrity, good judgement, and the ability to foster collaboration.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to represent the Festival externally.

• Commitment to the Festival’s values of creativity, community, and excellence.

Desirable:

• Experience in the performing arts, festivals, education, or cultural development.

• Familiarity with fundraising, marketing, or public engagement.

• Connections/affinity with the Scottish Borders, and an understanding of the culture of a

sparsely populated rural area.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 6–8 meetings per year (mix of in-person and online), plus occasional events and strategic planning sessions.

• Regular liaison with the Artistic Director and fellow Trustees.

• The position is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

• Initial term: three years, renewable once by mutual agreement.

Why Join Us

This is a rewarding opportunity to shape a growing festival with real artistic ambition and community purpose. You will be joining a small, committed team of Trustees, working closely with an Artistic Director of vision and energy. Together, we are building a festival that celebrates creativity, inspires participation, and leaves a lasting impact across the Borders and beyond.

Your leadership will help ensure that this Festival continues to thrive — as a space where music

brings people together, strengthens our sense of place, and nurtures the next generation of musicians

and audiences.