First Minister will today (Thursday) deliver
a speech setting out the importance of culture and the Scottish
Government's commitment to supporting Scotland's creative
industries. The speech will be given at the Edinburgh
International Festival Hub as the city prepares to welcome people
from around the world for a renowned month of cultural activity
and celebration.
The First Minister will highlight the economic significance of
the creative industries and the broader role of culture, at both
local and national levels, in uniting people around shared
values, inspiring debate and showcasing Scotland on the
international stage.
The Scottish Government increased arts and culture spending by
£34 million in 2025-26, which includes increasing festival
funding by £4 million, as part of a wider commitment to invest at
least £100 million more annually in arts and culture by 2028-29.
The First Minister is expected to say:
“Culture gets to the very heart of our shared history and our
national identity. It shapes our public spaces and our
environments. It contributes to education, to social dialogue,
and social justice. Galleries and museums tell our story. Music
and dance bring us together. Poetry and literature move us, and
inspire us to take action. Ceilidhs and concerts uplift us, and
invite others to join in with us.
“But how can we make sense of this increasingly dangerous, angry
and uncertain world? The answer – as it always has been – comes
through the means of creative expression. Culture that holds up a
mirror and allows us to see Scotland as truly is – in all its
glorious diversity. Culture that helps us to understand
ourselves, to understand each other and to understand the world
around us. To appreciate the things we have in common – but also
to build bridges between us.
“Scotland's creative economy enhances our reputation globally and
is our unique selling point – every bit as powerful as our
landscapes and food and drink. I want to do all that I can to
help our interlinked culture and creative industries flourish
because it is the right and the smart thing to do.”
