This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Council custodians of cultural keys
25/11/2002
Local authorities can hold the key to promoting
Scotland's strong cultural identity, a seminar on the role
of councils in the National Cultural Strategy was told
today.
Culture Minister Mike Watson called on councils and
agencies to work together using draft guidance,
and stressed that consultation must be as open as
possible.
He said he hoped the final guidance would be a joint
publication between the Executive and the Convention of
Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA).
Mr Watson said:
"Implementation of the National Cultural Strategy
includes a key role for all local authorities in Scotland.
I do not believe I can over-state the importance of this
contribution.
"Culture embraces so many areas of local authority
provision. It comes as no surprise that it assists
recreation and learning, but its proven benefits for
economic activity, and for health and social care should
also command more attention.
"Culture makes a vital contribution to Scotland and adds
real quality to the lives of people across the country. It
has a special ability to boost local authorities' efforts
to secure and further the well being of everyone in the
communities they serve. Using the guidelines we can do this
even more effectively."
In addition to the Minister, other speakers at the
seminar included Deputy Culture Minister Elaine Murray,
Councillor John Flett Brown (CoSLA), Jim Tough (Scottish
Arts Council) and Lee Cousins (
sportscotland).
The National Cultural Strategy, launched in August 2000,
works with CoSLA and others to promote effective
partnerships between councils and other bodies to provide a
wide range of cultural activities in line with local
priorities. It aims to embed cultural strategies within the
local community planning process and community learning
plans, forming links with local agencies.
Draft guidance was issued in September 2002 on the role
of local authorities in implementing the strategy. The
guidance was produced by a joint working group of the
Executive and CoSLA.