The charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, Big Hearts, has announced the appointment of a new Chair. Award-winning senior leader and bid expert David Gray has been elected to the post and will lead the recently expanded Board of Trustees.
David, 44, has a wealth of expertise in organisational growth, board governance and senior leadership.
He is currently the Bid Excellence Director at Mitie and brings over 20 years’ corporate experience in revenue generation, alongside 10 years’ experience serving on charity and not-for-profit boards. David joined Big Hearts as a Trustee in the summer of 2025. He previously chaired the Board of Trustees of Scottish charity Dads Rock from 2018 to 2022 and has also served as Chair of the global board of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals.
Commenting on his appointment, David said: “It’s an honour to have been elected Chair of Big Hearts, at what is a very exciting time for the organisation in its 20th year. The charity has seen significant growth over the past ten years and I’m looking forward to leading our fantastic Board of Trustees as we support Big Hearts in the next chapter of its journey.
As a lifelong Hearts’ supporter, I watch matches at Tynecastle Park with my family and children and have seen first-hand the positive power football can have off the pitch, as well as on it. I’m thrilled to be in the position to work with the charity in close relationship with Heart of Midlothian Football Club, to deliver long lasting social outcomes for communities across Edinburgh.”
David is succeeding Pamela Scott, who is stepping down as Chair having served the maximum nine years on the Big Hearts Board of Trustees.
Outgoing Chair, Pamela Scott, said: “I am delighted to be handing the Chair role over to David Gray, who I am sure will lead our brilliant Board of Trustees through the next part of the Big Hearts’ journey. I am so very thankful and proud of the Big Hearts’ staff team, the volunteers who contribute their time and expertise, and the donors and fundraisers who together have grown our services to the community helping more and more families and individuals who are having a tough time.
My thanks also go to my fellow board members for their inspiration and wise council, to Craig Wilson, our CEO, for his commitment and aspiration for Big Hearts as well as the unwavering support from the team at Heart of Midlothian football club and the Foundation of Hearts. I feel very privileged to have been a part of the Big Hearts’ story and will continue to support the charity where I can and of course continue to be in the stands supporting our beloved Hearts!”
Since 2015, Big Hearts harness the power of the beautiful game to change lives across South-West Edinburgh and beyond. From our community facilities at Tynecastle Park, our charity delivers high quality support services focused on mental health, social connections and equality. About our mission
– February 2026 –
