Chamber and committees

The 2021-2022 Programme for Government includes a commitment to revise the Creative Industries Policy Statement to articulate the priorities for the future development of the creative industries, in light of the impacts of EU Exit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

We are currently in the initial stages of scoping this commitment and we expect to be able to share more information on this work in the coming months.

There have been four official meetings with Ministers since May 2021.

On 6 August 2021 Jenny Gilruth had an introductory visit to V&A Dundee following her appointment as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.

On 28 January 2022 Angus Robertson visited V&A Dundee in his role as Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.

On 23 November 2022 Neil Gray visited V&A Dundee in his role as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development and Minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine.

On 31 March 2023 the Deputy First Minister Shona Robison attended the launch of the Tartan exhibition.

As core funded organisation, officials meet regularly with V&A Dundee as part of normal grant management processes.

Scottish Ministers have met with the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on three occasions since May 2021.

On 4 August 2021, Ms Gilruth, then Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development met with SLIC for an introductory meeting. The outcome of the meeting was to update the Minister on progress against the Public Library Covid Relief Fund, the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) for year 2021-22 and Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025.

On 15 December 2022, Mr Gray, then Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, and Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, met with SLIC for an introductory meeting. The outcome of the meeting was to update the Minister on progress against PLIF for year 2022-23 and Scotland's Public Library Strategy 2021-2025.

On 22 February 2022, Mr Gray met with Cllr Kelly Parry (Midlothian) and SLIC. The outcome of the meeting was to seek wider understanding of Midlothian Council’s plans with regards to their public libraries.

As SLIC receive direct funding from the Culture and Education portfolios of the Scottish Government, officials have met SLIC regularly since May 2021 as part of normal grant management processes.

Scottish Opera is one of Scotland’s five National Performing Companies and has met with Scottish Ministers on two occasions since May 2021.

On 7 October 2021, Scottish Opera held an introductory meeting and tour of the Scottish Opera studios with the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, where the importance of their outreach and community engagement work was discussed.

On 11 January 2023, Scottish Opera, along with the other National Performing Companies, met with the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, to explore how their international tours could further enhance the reputation and brand of Scotland overseas.

As a National Performing Company the Scottish Opera receive direct funding from Scottish Government. Scottish Government officials have met regularly since May 2021 with the Scottish Opera as part of normal grant management processes.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19744 on‎ 17 July 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The Local Partnership Forum North last met on 15 June to discuss a range of measures to enhance safety across the north of Scotland. Since then a range of additional targeted safety camera resources have been deployed at locations across the region, including the North Coast 500, to encourage good driver behaviour and enhanced levels of speed limit compliance.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19744 on‎ 17 July 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

Scottish Chamber Orchestra has met with Scottish Ministers on three occasions since May 2021.

On 9 November 2021, Scottish Chamber Orchestra held an meeting the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions

On 10 May 2022, the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, Neil Gray visited the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh for an introductory meeting and to discuss support for the culture sector as it recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

On 11 January 2023, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, along with the other National Performing Companies, met with the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture to explore how their international tours could further enhance the reputation and brand of Scotland overseas.

As a National Performing Company, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra receive direct funding from Scottish Government. Scottish Government officials have met regularly since May 2021 with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra as part of normal grant management processes.

The Scottish Government meets with the Culture Conveners from local government to discuss ways of working together, in line with shared priorities for the Culture sector.

There have been four meetings of the Culture Conveners since the publication of our Culture Strategy. These took place in November 2020, March 2021, December 2021, and January 2023.

The next Culture Conveners meeting is scheduled to take place with myself in early autumn.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19744 on‎ 17 July 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers