SOUTH Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has called on the Scottish Government to ensure there is more regional fairness when it comes to the allocation of funding for culture and the arts.
Speaking during a debate on support for the culture sector, the local MSP highlighted just how important festivals and events are for a region like Dumfries and Galloway.
He said: “There must be more regional equity in the allocation of funding. Festivals and events play a hugely important part in my region of Dumfries and Galloway, but in recent years we have lost many major festivals, including the Wickerman festival, the Electric Fields festival and the Doonhame festival.
“The cultural offering in Scotland is about more than big international festivals. That needs to be reflected when it comes to Government support for a sector that makes a significant difference to communities in every part of Scotland.”
