Correspondence with Creative Scotland re progress on the recommendations of the independent review
We have written to Iain Munro, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, to request an update on the process and timescales for implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review of Creative Scotland. The text of that letter is below, followed by the response from Iain Munro.
26 March 2026
Dear Iain,
Following a meeting of the Culture Counts Steering Group this morning, I am writing to request an update on progress and an expected timeline for implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review of Creative Scotland.
At the meeting of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee on 05 February 2026, we were heartened to hear that Creative Scotland “are keen to move quickly” on this matter, and “have already started to address” some of the Review’s recommendations. We were pleased, too, to note the commitment from Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, to provide an update on that progress before the end of the parliamentary year, since “momentum is important as part of the process”. As the Scottish Parliament has now risen for the pre-election period, with (as far as we are aware) no further update forthcoming, we are concerned that there may be a substantial delay before the Committee can consider this matter again.
Many in our network, and across the sector, went to significant effort to contribute to the Review, and are keen to see action taken to implement the findings and recommendations of the Review (and to understand how such changes will impact their work going forwards). That effort also represents significant expertise and experience across the sector, and a number of willing partners who would welcome the chance to work together as the process of implementation develops. We understand, of course, that there will be a formal process for communicating with Government on this matter, and that some recommendations will take longer than others to action. Nonetheless, we regard it as vital that the process is not unduly delayed by the Parliamentary calendar, and that the sector is kept informed about what we understand may be significant changes to Creative Scotland’s processes, strategy and role within the sector.
Please could you share an update as to the process and timeframes you intend to follow over the coming months, both in delivering on the recommendations of the Review, and in communicating with the sector about this process. We share a commitment to a positive, sustainable future for the culture sector, and your sharing this update will offer a great deal of insight and reassurance to the sector, and set the tone for what we hope will be a spirit of openness and collaboration for the coming period.
For information, we will share a copy of this letter with our network, who we know will await your response with some anticipation.
With all best regards,
Kathryn Welch
Director: Network, Projects and Partnerships , Culture Counts
02 April 2026
Dear Kathryn,
Thank you for your letter of 26 March requesting an update on our response to the Independent Review. As you know, this review was commissioned by the Scottish Government, conducted independently, and gathered input from a wide variety of sources through 2025. The resulting report made a broad range of recommendations for consideration by both Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government.
We have been considering these recommendations and scoping actions and plans across Creative Scotland, including Screen Scotland, in response. Some of the recommendations can be acted upon by Creative Scotland directly, but many require discussion with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, with some requiring additional resources if they are to be implemented.
We are doing this work in dialogue with the Scottish Government and will provide a more detailed update at the start of the new Parliament, following the Scottish election in May. This timing is entirely appropriate given we are now in a pre-election period and cannot pre-empt the shape of Government after the election on 07 May. The Cabinet Secretary has written to the Culture Committee ahead of Parliament being dissolved to provide a short update, and we have done the same.
More broadly, ahead of the outcome of the forthcoming election, and given we are now entering the new financial year, I think it would be useful for us to meet to discuss Culture Count’s programme plans for the year ahead, and to provide an update our own plans and ambitions, to ensure that these are complementary. Lyndon will be able to help find a suitable time.
In the meantime, I hope all is well with you and I look forward to speaking soon.
Best wishes
Iain
Chief Executive, Creative Scotland