CULTURAL charity OnFife has appointed its new chair.

Esther Roberton is set to bring a “wealth of governance experience to the role” and will replace Dr David Caldwell, who is retiring.

She was most recently chair of NHS Lothian, where she was asked to step in by the Scottish Government at the start of 2020 to oversee the completion of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

OnFife said it was “delighted” to have her at the helm as it looks to “navigate our way out of the choppy waters of the pandemic”.

The charity, which runs Lochgelly Centre, Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries and other venues across the Kingdom, said Ms Roberton is a “strong believer in the increased importance of cultural services in tackling issues such as inequality and mental health, she’s passionate about Fife and is keen to ensure it maximises its contribution to the recovery.”

On her appointment, Ms Roberton said: “I think as Fifers we tend to underplay our achievements when we’ve actually got so much to shout about.

She continued: “I believe cultural services are an end in themselves for the benefit of everyone, and that they also make a significant contribution to the economy.

“I’m delighted to be joining the board of OnFife and excited at the prospect of leading it through the challenges and opportunities ahead.”