Creative Scotland accused of ‘central belt bias’

Creative Scotland has been accused of a "central belt bias" after failing to create regional jobs.

A spokesperson said the funder supports the development of the arts across the country regardless of where its staff are based: "Our work helps others to create the conditions for jobs to be created."

Since 2014 it has filled 149 new jobs in arts, cinema and the creative industries. Of these, 132 were in Edinburgh and the rest in Glasgow.

READ MORE:

• Creative Scotland admitted 'unfundable' organisations into its portfolio
• Inquiry slams Creative Scotland over management failure

North East region Conservative MSP Bill Bowman said this reflected a "central belt bias" among decision-makers.

"There is more to Scotland than Edinburgh and Glasgow, who seem to be doing just fine when it comes to promoting and developing arts and culture … Dundee, meanwhile, is in a specific and vulnerable point in its development.

"The V&A just welcomed its millionth visitor through the doors … but without any support to help the city and its surroundings find a voice, and this continuing central belt bias, it may be doomed to reflect the rest of the world rather than its home city."