(Image: Supplied)
The East Neuk Festival has appointed Tom Usher as its new chair, succeeding Donald MacDonald after 22 years in the role.
Mr Usher took up the position on today, October 22, having joined the festival’s board in October 2025.
A competition law expert at Burness Paull, he is a keen supporter of live music and an enthusiastic violinist. He lives with his family in Elie, in the East Neuk of Fife, and has previously served two terms as a director of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Mr MacDonald, who founded the festival with his wife, Louise, and artistic director Svend McEwan-Brown in 2004, will become Festival President.
The festival is governed by a board of trustees that includes Michael Downes OBE, Hilke MacIntyre and Elizabeth Riches MBE.
The next East Neuk Festival will run from June 30 to July 4, 2027, featuring a programme of classical, orchestral and world music.
Initial programme details are due to be announced in early November, with tickets scheduled to go on sale in January 2027.
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Tom Usher, new chair of the East Neuk Festival, said: “It is an absolute privilege to be appointed as Chair of this incredible festival which continues to draw some of the world's most outstanding musicians to what is unquestionably one of East Fife's most stunning seaside locations.
"I am very much looking forward to working closely with the team to ensure the festival continues to deliver the enormously high standards of programming and quality of experience our wonderful supporters and audiences expect.”
Donald MacDonald, outgoing chair and incoming Festival President, said: “This festival is very, very close to my heart and has been a constant joy for the 22 years during which I have chaired the board.
“It is greatly reassuring to welcome a new chair who brings not only the requisite experience and strengths, but also a lifelong love of live music which is the beating heart of this festival.”