Appointment

Edinburgh Investment Trust PLC
4 July 2001


4 July 2001


                      THE EDINBURGH INVESTMENT TRUST PLC

                                 NEW DIRECTOR



At today's Annual General Meeting the Board of The Edinburgh Investment Trust
plc announced that, at its next meeting on 20 August 2001, it will appoint
Richard Barfield as a director of the company.



Richard Barfield, a former Chief Investment Manager of Standard Life (1988-
1996), is currently a director of Equitas (and Chairman of its investment
committee), and of Rio Tinto Pension Investments, New Look Group plc,
Marshalls plc, The Merchants Trust plc, and The Baillie Gifford Japan Trust
plc.  He is Chairman of both Synergy Fund GP Ltd and the Investment Committee
of SEPII.



His past appointments include Directorships of the London Stock Exchange,
Clyde Blowers Ltd and Quintain Estates and Development plc.



Lord Eglinton, Chairman of The Edinburgh Investment Trust, commented:



'We are delighted to have identified such an experienced individual as a
member of the Board and we look forward to his joining us.  His 30 years of
expertise in the investment industry, and wide range of outside interests will
make a valued contribution to the Company.'



For further information, please contact:



Mike Balfour 0131 313 1000

Chief Investment Officer, Edinburgh Fund Managers plc



Lucy Copeman 020 7655 0540

Polhill Communications