KINGLASSIE MSP Jenny Gilruth has hailed plans for a significant investment in Scotland’s art, screen and creative industries – urging local groups across Mid Fife and Glenrothes to make the most of funding.

Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay MSP, last month outlined the Scottish Government’s draft budget proposals for 2019/20 – announcing a £6.6 Million investment in Creative Scotland, and a further £10m to support the film and television sector, bringing support for screen to £20m.

Local organisations, staging anything from one off events to two year work programmes, can apply for project funding of £1,000 to £150,000 from Creative Scotland.

Under the draft budget proposals National Galleries of Scotland, National Library of Scotland and National Museums Scotland will also receive additional funding. Support for non-national libraries will be provided through continued funding for the Scottish Library and Information Council of £655k.

Commenting, MSP Jenny Gilruth, said: “This £6.6 million investment in Creative Scotland will help provide a platform for artists and local groups here in Mid Fife and Glenrothes to flourish.

“Scotland’s cultural sector benefits immensely from the free flow of artists across Europe – in the face of the Tory Government’s Brexit shambles, investment in our screen industries will also come as welcome news for the sector.

“With local groups across Fife having so much to gain from this investment, I hope MSPs from all political parties get behind the Finance Secretary’s plans next month.”