Arts, culture and heritage

Plans to boost the use of Scots and Gaelic in traditional areas have been passed at Stage 1 by the Scottish Parliament.

MSPs have voted for the general principles of the Scottish Languages Bill.

The King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR) has announce the transfer of Campsie High Kirk in Lennoxtown into community ownership for use as an arts, cultural and community events hub

Yesterday First Minster John Swinney anounced his new Programme for Government (PfG), which focussed on actions to progress four priorities.

These are:

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced a review of Creative Scotland to ensure its operations and structure are optimal to the needs of the culture sector, as part of this year’s Programme for Government.

The newly refurbished Carloway Community Centre was officially opened last week (29th of August) by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, who joined Iain Macaulay, Lord-Lieutenant of the Western Isles, for a tour of the upgraded facilities on the Isle of Lewis.

Plunkett UK is offering a limited number of small development grants of up to £2,000 to community groups in rural Scotland looking to bring their pub/hotel into community ownership.

This week sees the second Scotland Loves Local (SLL) week take place across Scotland, which promotes putting localism at the heart of a stronger, greener, fairer Scotland.

The week, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), will highlight the tremendous difference that choosing local means for the future of communities.

The Creative Scotland - Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance is still open for applications. The fund supports the touring of theatre and dance, enhancing opportunities for artists, producers and companies to work more collaboratively with venues.

Scottish charity RSABI is extending its thanks to the 135 or so competitors, and support team members, who are set to take part in this year’s Great Glen Challenge, sponsored by Gillespie Macandrew.

This year’s event, on August 30, has attracted an unprecedented demand for places and the charity is extending its thanks to all those who are taking part, with sights now set on helping competitors achieve their fundraising targets.