Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 18 September 2024
18 Sep 2024 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Programme for Government (Arts and Culture)
Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business
In the past two years, the Scottish National Party Government has repeatedly cut Creative Scotland’s budget, only to restore it after a backlash, sometimes framing those reversals as new investment. The recent restoration of the open fund is the latest example of that, after a joint campaign by 150 arts organisations, including Deveron Projects and the Barn in my constituency. Does the cabinet secretary understand how that misleads the sector and undermines trust in the Government?
In the same item of business
2. Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had any discussions with organisations in the arts and culture sector since the publication of “Programme for G...
The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (Angus Robertson)
SNP
Scottish Government officials and ministers are in regular contact with key stakeholders across the arts and culture sector as part of the normal business of...
Alexander Burnett
Con
In the past two years, the Scottish National Party Government has repeatedly cut Creative Scotland’s budget, only to restore it after a backlash, sometimes f...
Angus Robertson
SNP
I gently point out to Alexander Burnett that it would be misleading to claim that there has been a reduction in culture spending in Scotland, because spendin...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I have three requests for supplementary questions, and I intend to take all three.
Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
The cabinet secretary will be aware of the dispute between the Paisley Art Institute and OneRen, which has resulted in the looming possibility of highly valu...
Angus Robertson
SNP
I thank Neil Bibby for his question and for contacting me a number of days ago to highlight the issue, which is a matter of concern to him and to constituent...
Gordon MacDonald (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP)
SNP
The Labour Government’s austerity budget that is due in October is expected to have a substantial impact on the Scottish Government’s finances in the year ah...
Angus Robertson
SNP
As I said, it is a matter of fact that the Scottish Government has increased culture sector funding this financial year by more than £15 million, which is th...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
The Screen Machine, which is parked outside in Holyrood park, brings cinema to communities that would otherwise have no access to it, but, sadly, its future ...
Angus Robertson
SNP
I thank Rhoda Grant for her question. The Screen Machine—which matters so much, particularly to our rural and island communities—is funded by Screen Scotland...