Scottish National Gallery revamp faces further delays

Managers of the Scottish National Gallery’s refurbishment have asked the Scottish Government for a bailout after further delays to the project.

Originally a £22m project, it began in 2018 – three years later than anticipated – and will not be finished before the end of 2022.

The National Galleries, attributing the delays to the pandemic and "unexpected defects" in the 19th Century building, have declined to say how much more public funding is required.

Head of Planning and Performance Elaine Anderson said Covid-19 had a "massive impact" on Scotland’s cultural sector, with many organisations facing an uncertain future.

"Without support and investment, the sector will decline in quality and reach and key opportunities will be missed."