Man in a million (visitors) is the Top Scot

THE DIRECTOR of the National Museums of Scotland has been awarded one of the nation’s most prestigious honours, after the Chambers Street building’s triumphant £50 million revamp.

The roll-call of “Top Scots” at the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards include household names and sports stars, from author JK Rowling and singer Susan Boyle to the Olympic champions of curling.

But last night Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of the NMS, won the accolade for his role in marshalling a multi-million-pound project that was delivered on time in a critical triumph.

The revamped National Museum of Scotland was unveiled this summer to rave reviews, and within four months had brought in its millionth visitor – a figure it was expected to reach in a full year.

Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, the first Top Scot winner in the awards, which date back to 1998, praised him as a worthy addition to the “roll of honour” for the award, chosen by a public vote.

“It is for his behind-the-scenes hard work, imagination, resourcefulness, focus and ultimate achievement that he has been chosen by the people of Scotland,” she said.

The Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards are run in partnership with The Scotsman.

Last night’s winners in the individual categories, with nominees selected by a judging panel and winners chosen by the public, ranged from Doctor Who star Karen Gillan to the artist David Mach.

But Dr Rintoul’s success in delivering the transformed museum, from its “Window on the World” in the restored Grand Gallery to some 8,000 treasures on show across the building, have led some to joke that he should be placed in charge of the Edinburgh trams project.

Ms Wark said: “He has managed not only to raise the finance, but has also structured the programme, selected the perfect team and shown the long-term vision required to turn one of Scotland’s best-loved treasures into a modern, vibrant, exciting, educational and stunning attraction.”

Dr Rintoul said the reward recognised “the enormous enthusiastic public response across Scotland and beyond, which shows that museums are held in huge affection near and far… I was genuinely both hugely surprised and honoured.”

The museum is now moving on to details of the next phase of its masterplan, an £11 million investment that should deliver eight new galleries within about three years, he said.

The focus will be on science and technology, “getting out to the forefront on some of the great Scottish achievements”.

Scotsman editor-in-chief John McLellan said: “Gordon and his team have done a fantastic job in not only transforming the National Museum of Scotland, but also in surpassing their visitor targets so soon after the reopening.

“And as always, there is a superb set of nominees and winners in all categories, who are such a credit to Scotland.”

Born and brought up in Scotland and educated at the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Dr Rintoul began his 25-year career in the museums sector in England, developing and running attractions in Bradford, Merseyside and Sheffield. He returned to Scotland as NMS director in 2002.

This month, the National Museum of Scotland won the Andrew Doolan architecture prize for Scotland’s best building, which is normally awarded to a new-build project, rather than a renovation.

Project architect Gareth Hoskins described Dr Rintoul as “the driving force through the eight years we have been working on the redevelopment… Gordon’s leadership has put the museum firmly on the world stage.”

New displays at the museum focus not only on displaying objects in a new setting, but telling how they came to Scotland.