Arts management veteran steps in at theatres trust

The Festival City Theatres Trust, which is responsible for running Edinburgh's Festival and the King's Theatres, has appointed Pat Weller as interim chief executive.

The announcement followed the news that chief executive John Stalker is standing down. His departure comes after a difficult year for the venues, which have faced financial crisis and falling ticket sales.

Ms Weller, who will take up her new role on 1 July, has been a senior arts manager for over 30 years, most recently as interim chief executive for the Curve Theatre, Leicester.

She said: "I'm looking forward to working with the team to develop these two great theatres and build on the impressive programme of work they have already presented."