The appointment signals a new chapter for Scotland’s business angel community, which has emerged as one of the world’s most developed angel investment markets.

Ms Morton brings over three decades of leadership experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. A qualified lawyer who rose to Partner with Tods Murray LLP before transitioning to senior executive roles with Barnardos, Inspiring Scotland and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, she has held various senior positions at the University of Glasgow including as Chief of Staff in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences.

Scotland boasts one of the world’s most developed angel investment networks, comprising around 2,000 individual investors across 15-20 angel groups. LINC Scotland helped establish the world’s first public sector/business angel co-investment model with Scottish Enterprise in 2004. Today, most angel groups in Scotland are co-investment partners, helping portfolio companies access matched funding. According to data from ACS, deals lead by its business angel members unlocked private sector investment of £106.4 million across 91 investments in the year ending March 2025 and leveraged £25.6m of public sector investment.

ACS will operate as an independent, member-focused organisation, following the conclusion of European funding. It will champion five strategic priorities: advocacy with governments and regulators including HMRC; market development to attract new High Net Worth Individuals; global positioning of Scotland’s angel ecosystem through established international networks; enhanced data intelligence through collaboration with the University of Strathclyde and Young Company Finance to support lobbying activities; and securing the resources necessary to build medium term sustainability. Young Company Finance Scotland ownership also transfers to ACS.

“Angel Capital Scotland represents the natural evolution of Scotland’s business angel ecosystem,” said Ms Morton. “The foundations laid by LINC Scotland have created a thriving angel investment community that punches well above its weight on the global stage. Our role now is to build on this success and provide a voice for this community in an evolving regulatory environment, ensuring Scottish high-growth companies continue to access the capital they need while attracting fresh investment talent to our market.”

Jock Millican, chairman of Angel Capital Scotland said: “Margaret brings exactly the right combination of strategic vision and operational expertise that Angel Capital Scotland needs at this crucial juncture.

“Her proven track record across multiple sectors, combined with her values-based leadership approach, positions her perfectly to champion our members’ interests while driving the continued evolution of Scotland’s angel investment ecosystem. We’re excited to work with her as we build on LINC’s impressive legacy.”