Meeting of the Parliament 06 January 2015
I appreciate Joan McAlpine’s intervention, but it is important that we concentrate on what the Scottish Government is doing with its budget instead of looking at what is happening elsewhere and laying blame elsewhere.
The Scottish index of multiple deprivation shows that only 68 per cent of those adults who live in the most deprived 20 per cent of areas have participated in cultural activity in the past 12 months compared with 87 per cent of those adults who live in the least deprived 20 per cent of areas. Through investment in cultural activities, Scottish Labour made entry to museums and galleries free so that everyone could enjoy our nation’s history, heritage and culture. We should ensure that our winter festivals hold more free events so that more people from deprived areas can benefit from those festivals during the winter months in their local communities.
I believe that, as has been mentioned, people from communities across Scotland benefit hugely from winter festivals. Winter festivals attract tourists and boost the economy. I am proud that, as a nation, we are able to host such an extensive range of winter festivals the length and breadth of the country. Those festivals provide a great opportunity for visitors and residents to celebrate our unique culture and our distinctive heritage. I am sure that my colleagues will join me in commending the extensive work of the volunteers, local groups and small businesses that contribute to the festivals’ success.
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