Arts, culture and heritage

  1. National Islands Plan: annual report 2023

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.

  2. Helping Scotland’s culture and creative sector shine on the world stage

    New strategy to support international ambitions.

  3. Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy

    This strategy aims to support Scotland's culture and creative sector to be globally connected with the means and opportunities to achieve its international ambitions and potential, and contribute to Scotland’s cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing through its international work.

  4. Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy - EasyRead version

    An EasyRead version of Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy.

  5. International Culture Strategy: Partial Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)

    A partial Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) to support the development of an International Culture Strategy.

  6. Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) results: International Culture Strategy

    Findings from an equality impact assessment of Scottish Government's International Culture Strategy.

  7. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response - child-friendly version

    This report explains how the Scottish Government (SG) is responding to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s concluding observations. These were published in 2023. This document will tell you about some of the things we are doing to make things better for children and their families in Scotland

  8. Scottish Languages Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment

    Business and regulatory impact assessment for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation which seeks to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  9. Scottish Languages Bill: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation which seeks to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  10. Building a New Scotland: Culture in an independent Scotland - Easy Read

    Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for culture in an independent Scotland.

  11. Empire, Slavery and Scotland's Museums steering group recommendations: Scottish Government Response

    This publication is the Scottish Government response to the recommendations set out in the Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums steering group’s report in 2022.

  12. Scottish Languages Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty summary

    Fairer Scotland Duty Summary for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  13. Scottish Languages Bill: island communities impact assessment

    Island communities impact assessment for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  14. Scottish Languages Bill: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation which seeks to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  15. A Culture Strategy for Scotland: Action Plan

    A Culture Strategy for Scotland was published in 2020 and its vision and values remain important. This action plan provides detail on how we will deliver the ambitions of Culture Strategy.

  16. International culture strategy: consultation analysis

    Analysis of responses to the public consultation for the international culture strategy.

  17. International culture strategy: consultation analysis - executive summary - easy read

    Analysis of responses to the public consultation for the international culture strategy.

  18. Scottish Household Survey 2022: Key Findings

    Selected findings from the 2022 Scottish Household Survey, organised by topic area.

  19. Scottish islands: data overview 2023

    This report gives a snapshot of Scotland's island-level data as collated in the new Scottish Islands Data Dashboard and draws out key findings relating to each of the strategic objective topic areas set out in the National Islands Plan.

  20. Supporting innovation

    Funding for public libraries.

  21. Support for Scotland’s museums

    £500,000 fund towards capital costs and resilience.

  22. National Islands Plan review: consultation

    We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.

  23. National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023

    Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.

  24. Buidheann-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig: Aithisg do Rùnaire a' Chaibineit airson Ionmhas is na h-Eaconamaidh

    Aithisg air molaidhean na Buidhne-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig.

  25. Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic: report

    A report to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy containing the recommendations of the Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic.

  26. Scottish Languages Bill (Scots version) - Gaelic and Scots commitments: consultation analysis

    External analysis o responses submittit tae the Scots Government's consultation on Gaelic, Scots and a Scots Languages Bill.

  27. Scottish Household Survey 2021 - telephone survey: key findings

    A summary of the key findings from the Scottish Household Survey 2021 telephone survey.

  28. £1.8 million for Scotland’s world-class arts festivals

    Expo Fund to support additional organisations.

  29. Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start

    This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.

  30. Scotland's Year of Stories 2022: equality impact assessment

    Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 showcased Scotland’s strongest culture, tourism and events assets and other key aspects of society by creating a collaborative platform for partners to work together and maximise benefits. The report highlights evidence, opportunities and actions to boost equality.

  31. National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.

  32. National Events Strategy Review: Easy Read version

    Easy Read version of consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's National Events Strategy.

  33. National events strategy review: consultation - Gaelic version

    Gaelic version of consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's national events strategy.

  34. National events strategy review: consultation

    Scotland's National events strategy is being reviewed and updated. This will extend its term to the end of 2035. This survey provides everyone with a role in Scotland’s world-class event industry the chance to shape the sector’s updated strategy.

  35. National events strategy review: business and regulatory impact assessment - partial

    Partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's national events strategy.

  36. Scottish Budget Bill passed

    Further support for councils, culture sector and island ferries.

  37. Scotland’s international reputation grows

    Natural Beauty, Tourism and Governance score highly in new survey.

  38. Flexible planning rules

    New measures to boost hospitality and town centre recovery.

  39. International culture strategy: survey - easy read

    We are seeking views to inform the development of a strategy to support the international aspirations and potential of Scotland’s culture sector.

  40. International culture strategy: survey

    We are seeking views to inform the development of a strategy to support the international aspirations and potential of Scotland’s culture sector.

  41. Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion: consultation

    This consultation seeks views on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland.

  42. Additional funding for three 75th anniversary Edinburgh festivals

    Celebrating Scotland’s world-leading cultural brands. 

  43. Scottish golf backed by £3m funding

    Minister highlights benefits of support for unprecedented summer of golf.

  44. National Partnership for Culture: Workshop 3 –culture and education information paper

    Information Paper for the meeting of the National Partnership for Culture on culture and education held in July 2021.

  45. Further support for culture recovery

    Culture and events sectors to benefit from £16 million

  46. Support for Scotland’s international festivals

    Expo fund recipients announced.

  47. Scottish Household Survey – 2020 telephone survey

    Experimental Statistics: Data being developed.

  48. Scottish Government support for library projects

    Winning bids announced.

  49. £21 million to support culture and events

    Additional funds for organisations and freelancers. 

  50. New television studio to grow sector

    Kelvin Hall will host major TV broadcasters and production companies.

  51. Lifeline for libraries

    More than £1 million of funding allocated.

  52. Funding for libraries to re-open

    £1.25 million funding for vital community resource.

  53. National Islands Plan Survey: final report

    This report presents the findings from the National Islands Plan Survey. The research explores perceptions of island life in relation to the strategic objectives set out in the National Islands Plan.

  54. Scotland's Creative Digital Initiative

    Supporting digital innovation within cultural businesses.

  55. Celebrating Scotland’s Makar

    Enriching lives through poetry.

  56. Stone of Destiny - future location: public engagement report

    The Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia requested a public engagement took place to assist them in their scrutiny of proposals to relocate the Stone of Destiny to Perth. This report presents analysis of the responses to the public engagement exercise.

  57. The Stone of Destiny

    Iconic symbol to be moved to Perth.

  58. Supporting Scottish culture and heritage

    Emergency funding announced.

  59. Supporting National Trust for Scotland jobs

    Financial aid package agreed.

  60. Vital support for museums and galleries

    New fund to launch.

  61. Cultural venues start to re-open

    Guidance in place for sector to safely start welcoming visitors.

  62. Investing in Scotland’s entrepreneurs and innovators

    £38 million for high growth companies.

  63. Lifeline support for Performing Arts Venues

    Dedicated £10 million fund announced.

  64. National Partnership for Culture

    New group set up to deliver Culture Strategy.

  65. Support for Fringe Society

    Backing for world’s largest performing arts festival.

  66. A Culture Strategy for Scotland

    Strengthening a sector which transforms lives.

  67. Culture Strategy: vision and summary of actions

    Visual representation of the vision included in the culture strategy, together with a summary of actions.

  68. Response to decision to end participation in Creative Europe

    UK Government not to negotiate ongoing participation in cultural programme.

  69. Culture Secretary hosts Festivals Visa Summit

    Bid to resolve immigration issues for performers.

  70. Cinema projects land £800,000 boost

    Improved access to big screen.

  71. Library opens on Christmas Day

    Helping homeless and lonely over the festive period.  

  72. Proposal to designate two historic marine protected areas: consultation

    We would welcome your views on the potential creation of two historic marine protected areas, as part of the Scottish Marine Protected Area (MPA) network.

  73. Funding for Melrose Museum

    £395k to promote Roman heritage in the south of Scotland. 

  74. Strengthening Scotland's creative industries

    Policy Statement launch.

  75. Creative industries: policy statement

    Our vision and priorities for the creative industries in Scotland.

  76. Funding announced for tour to Japan

    Scottish orchestra to take centre stage.

  77. Fireworks in Scotland: analysis of responses to consultation

    Summary of key themes to emerge from the consultation to gather the public's views on the use and regulation of fireworks in Scotland.

  78. Public attitudes towards fireworks in Scotland: representative omnibus survey

    This report summarises results from an omnibus survey on public attitudes towards fireworks in Scotland.

  79. Fireworks legislation and impacts: international evidence review

    Desk-based review of evidence on the impact of fireworks, in the context of international legislation and regulations.

  80. Sport in Scotland report: response

    This sets out the Scottish Government's response to the recommendations contained in the Jarvie Report 2019.

  81. Queensferry Crossing artwork

    Scotland’s national poet contributes to permanent tribute.

  82. Call for UK Government to attend Festivals Visa Summit

    Home Secretary invited to join discussion on immigration issues for performers

  83. Influential historian celebrated

    Professor’s influence marked in Perthshire event.

  84. Culture Secretary honoured as Chieftain of the World Pipe Band Championships

    Pipes and drums still thriving across the generations

  85. Future of St Peter's Seminary

    Partnership working proposed to protect A-listed building.

  86. Culture to strengthen Scotland’s global links

    Minister announces event funding at international ceremony in Bilbao.

  87. International Creative Ambition Programme

    Funding announced to support worldwide cultural partnerships.

  88. Expo funding for Celtic Connections

    Glasgow festival to receive further government funds.

  89. Culture strategy for Scotland consultation: analysis of responses - full report

    Analysis report setting out the detailed findings of the public consultation on a draft Culture Strategy for Scotland.

  90. Culture strategy for Scotland consultation: analysis of responses - key themes

    Report summarising the key themes raised by respondents to the public consultation on a draft Culture Strategy for Scotland.

  91. Culture strategy for Scotland consultation: analysis of responses - summary

    Report summarising analysis of the feedback to the public consultation on a draft Culture Strategy for Scotland.

  92. Prisoners of War exhibition opens

    Issued on behalf of National Records of Scotland.

  93. Digital-first census for 2021

    For the first time in 2021, people in Scotland will be encouraged to fill out their census questionnaire primarily online.

  94. William Wallace letter on display

    Issued on behalf of National Records of Scotland.

  95. Financial support for V&A Dundee

    Backing for museum in its first year.

  96. Malicious Mischief?

    Issued on behalf of National Records of Scotland.

  97. Glasgow Fire Recovery Fund

    £5 million to support affected businesses.

  98. Investing in screen success

    Production Growth Fund unlocks £60m in wider economic benefits.

  99. Importance of local news

    Concern over STV restructure plans.  

  100. Film and TV school opens doors

    First courses begin in Scotland.

  101. Scotland's population continues to increase

    Issued on behalf of National Records of Scotland.

  102. Restoring Bute House

    Repairs and conservation of historic building now compete.

  103. Strengthening Scottish-Polish ties

    3D model of Great Polish Map of Scotland launched.

  104. Improving digital skills

    £200,000 funding to increase inclusion.

  105. Support for Scottish Youth Theatre

    Company to continue during Year of Young People.

  106. Most popular names in Scotland

    Olivia and Jack remain the most popular baby names in Scotland, and Smith, Brown and Wilson the three top surnames.

  107. French connections

    Celebrating French contribution to Edinburgh International Festival.

  108. Supporting Scotland's world-class festivals

    2018-19 Expo funding unveiled.

  109. Young people's participation in out of school activities: research findings

    Findings from an online survey of young people aged 8 to 26.

  110. Backing for historic theatre

    £1.5m towards Citizens Theatre redevelopment.

  111. EXPO Fund to include Celtic Connections

    Fund to be made available to Glasgow event for first time.

  112. Blueprint for screen success

    Proposal for screen unit approved.

  113. Announcement of UK City of Culture 2021

    Culture Secretary comments.

  114. First Minister's Christmas card unveiled

    John Byrne painting to raise funds for charities.

  115. Culture Secretary comments on Dundee 2023 bid

    Cabinet Secretary's comments follow the decision by the European Commission that the UK participation in the European Capital of Culture action may not be possible.

  116. Picturing Scotland's criminal past

    Rogues Gallery unveiled.

  117. Maoineachadh airson a' Mhòid Nàiseanta

    Tabhartas bliadhnail air a ghairm leis an LPM airson seasmhachd a’ Mhòid a dhìon.  

  118. Backing for Burrell

    £5 million towards Burrell Collection refurbishment project.

  119. Cross-party support for Paisley and Dundee Culture bids

    Parliament debate secures consensus.

  120. Scottish Government backs Paisley 2021 bid

    Culture Secretary gives financial commitment.

  121. Designing communities

    People to have say in the design of their area.

  122. Record spend on film and TV production

    £16.7m increase in production spend in Scotland.

  123. Culture conversations

    Public events in Paisley, Dumfries and Galashiels.

  124. Rise in visitor numbers to historic sites

    Historic Environment Scotland properties in Dumfries and Galloway see 41% rise

  125. Extra £10m for Edinburgh Festivals

    Five-year programme to maximise cultural and economic impact.  

  126. Maoineachadh airson ionad Gàidhlig

    40 obair ùr an dùil bhon phròiseact

  127. Funding for Gaelic Centre

    Project expected to create 40 jobs

  128. Raising attainment takes centre stage

    DFM praises project to close the poverty-related gap.

  129. Famous Scots from the Past

    Treasured artefacts displayed together for the first time

  130. David Livingstone Centre revamp

    Scottish explorer celebrated.

  131. Culture Secretary heads to Irish capital

    Strengthening cultural, economic and diplomatic ties.

  132. The lure of ancient history

    Rise in island visitor numbers.

  133. Proposal for new Edinburgh performance venue

    Call for auditorium to be included in City Region Deal.

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