Initial Response - Findings of the Independent Review of Creative Scotland
The Independent Review of Creative Scotland, which published on Tuesday 25 November 2025, has taken place at a critical moment for Scotland’s cultural sector, in the wake of a period of extreme turbulence arising from the pandemic and subsequent cost of living, energy, inflation and economic crises, as uncertainty over Creative Scotland’s funding horizon.
The recent investment decisions at Government level that followed these crises promise the green shoots of stability. Upon announcement of the review, many in the sector felt trepidation in terms of the speed at which the review was to be conducted, and concern over how the process would ensure that the evidence received and considered would be reflective of the entire, complex ecosystem that Creative Scotland supports, as well as recognising the diversity of, and inequalities between, Scotland’s creative practitioners.
This said, Culture Counts broadly welcomes the findings of the review; they identify and align with what we’re hearing from our network, and the different parts of arts, heritage and creative industries that they represent.
This review has been released two weeks after Culture Counts have launched our Culture Act for Scotland proposal, which calls for parties to commit to the development of dedicated Cultural legislation in the next parliamentary term.
We’re conscious that with the election fast approaching, any work to take forwards the review’s recommendations will begin in the next parliament. Our view is that there would be a natural alignment between taking forward the recommendations of the review of Creative Scotland, and the development of a Culture Act for Scotland.
Below you can find our initial comments as reported in the national and sector press. We will be holding a core members event next Wednesday 03 December 1:30-3:00pm where we will hear from key voices in the sector to unpack the results of this review. There will also be opportunity for questions and general discussion. If you are a Culture Counts core member, please email Evelyn at evelyn@culturecounts.scot to reserve your place. Please note, the zoom link will be circulated on the day of the meeting.
Following, and informed by the meeting, we will produce a more detailed reaction to the findings.
Initial Comment:
Our initial comment, published in The Herald and ArtsProfessional on the day of the release of the findings is as follows:
"Culture Counts broadly welcomes the findings of the Creative Scotland review. Scotland's cultural ecosystem contributes significantly to our economy, societal wellbeing, and our international reputation, but has faced challenges in recent years. The review recognises the need for long-term thinking and planning, along with a more nationally distributed approach. This includes recommendations pointing to better linkages and greater impact across wider national priorities. Our view is that progress towards implementation of its recommendations be taken in alignment with Culture Counts' call to develop a Culture Act for Scotland over the course of the next parliament".
“Crucially, the review recognises the sector’s wider impact. It calls for increased analytical capacity to better understand the impact of the culture and creative sectors, and consideration to be given to how the sector relates to other policy areas, such as the possible role of Creative Scotland as a statutory consultee".
“At the heart of a thriving sector will be long-term thinking and legislative protection, alongside a commitment to the arm's-length decision making principle. This will ensure that Scotland can benefit from the creativity and innovation of the sector for generations to come."