Edinburgh culture chief reveals departure amid museum closure controversy

Edinburgh's culture chief has announced her departure from the role amid an ongoing row over the shutdown of a museum devoted to the lives of working class people in the city.

The decision by Edinburgh City Council's director of culture, Joan Parr, to stand down has emerged after Scottish culture secretary Angus Roberson condemned the "shameful behaviour" of the city council in closing down its People's Story Museum without consultation.

Ms Parr, who was hired from government arts agency Creative Scotland three years ago, has told colleagues and industry leaders that she is leaving "to pursue other interests."

Ms Parr has pledged that she will "definitely be keeping a beady eye" on the development of the culture sector.

The council said it is currently considering “next steps” over the retirement of Ms Parr, who will be leaving her role in early January.

The timing of her departure means she will have left before Creative Scotland takes future funding decisions on leading festivals, venues and arts organisations. She also has a key role overseeing a controversial 12-month programme of events to mark the 900th anniversary of Edinburgh’s designation as a royal burgh.

Ms Parr replaced long-time culture director Lynne Halfpenny when she was appointed in September 2021 and led work on a new 2030 culture strategy for the city, which was launched last year.

The vision commits the city to "seek to develop the rich cultural assets of Edinburgh in a way that benefits, inspires and includes all residents."

The strategy also pledges: Residents will feel they have a say in local cultural provision."

However the council has come under fire in recent weeks after it emerged that the People's Story Museum on the Royal Mile could be closed for up to seven months due to a cost-cutting drive and staff shortages.

Mr Robertson faced demands from opposition MSPs to intervene over the shutdown of the attraction at the Scottish Parliament last week, but insisted it was "nothing to do with the Scottish Government."

Mr Robertson told Holyrood that the decision to close down the museum without any consultation had caused "absolute consternation."

He added: "Especially in this 900th anniversary year of Edinburgh, the People’s Story and its important working-class history must be open to the public.

"I believe that the temporary closure will have to be lifted, as it is absolutely unsustainable."

It is understood that Ms Parr contacted colleagues and industry leaders the following day to announce her departure.

She told them: "I wanted to let you know that I have decided to retire from my post as director of culture and wellbeing at the council from 3 January next year.

“Whilst I am delighted at the prospect of having more time to pursue other interests and perhaps even trying to locate some some long dormant creative muscles it is hard to be saying au revoir to so many valued colleagues and friends with whom I have shared a multitude of arts and culture related collaborative missions over the years.

"I want to sincerely thank you for all your support, comradeship, passion, infectious creativity, and joint therapy and visioning sessions.

"I will no doubt be bumping into you in our shared cultural village and will definitely be keeping a beady eye on how things develop."

Council leader Cammy Day said: "I extend our best wishes to Joan Parr as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of retirement, filled with time for family, friends, and travel.

“Joan has been invaluable as director of culture and wellbeing, demonstrating exceptional leadership throughout her tenure.

"Joan brought a wealth of experience from various sectors with her, and played a crucial role in revitalising our cultural venues and communities in the wake of the pandemic, as well as leading on our year-round festivals.

“I’d like to thank Joan for her ongoing commitment to our city and the positive impact she has had.”