Professor Ian Baxter

Biography

Ian is Professor of Historic Environment Management at Heriot-Watt University and is an industry focused senior academic specialist in heritage management, tourism and visitor experience development. He is an experienced Non-Executive Director with various UK organisations and charities, and currently sits on the Board of the Scottish national heritage agency, Historic Environment Scotland.

Ian’s professional practice and research is focused on knowledge management and strategy within heritage and conservation organisations, and enhancement of the visitor experience at historic sites. He originally trained as an archaeologist at the University of Edinburgh and completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge investigating strategic management within heritage and conservation organisations.

He chairs the Built Environment Forum Scotland's Historic Environment Working Group (and was previously BEFS Vice-Chair) and is a current member of Council (Trustee) of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He co-chairs the Skills, Education & Engagement Advisory Group for The Heritage Alliance (the national NGO heritage advocacy organisation in England) and is a member the Institute for Historic Building Conservation's Education, Training & Standards Committee.