MORE then 120 leading figures in the arts, heritage and business world have written a plea to the Scottish Government, urging it not to cut funding for the arts in the Scottish budget next week.

The letter, organised by the Arts & Business Scotland charity, says that a "a year on year collapse in Lottery funding and ongoing cuts to local authority cultural budgets combine to make a strong case that Scottish Government revenue funding for culture should not only be protected but may need to increase simply to maintain the status quo within the cultural sector."

Arts & Business said that Scotland's creative industries are estimated to be worth £4.6bn a year to the Scottish economy, encompassing 84,000 jobs.

The letter, to finance secretary Derek Mackay, has been signed by figures including Dame Seona Reid, chair of the National Theatre of Scotland, Duncan Hendry, chair of the Festival City Theatres Trust and Katrina Brown, director of The Common Guild, among others.

The letter follows several letters and petitions from the arts world for the Scottish Government to not cut the core funds to the main arts funder, Creative Scotland.

More than 100 authors, poets and writers, including the Makar Jackie Kay as well as Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith, urged the government to protect and enhance funding for literature.

A petition led by playwright Rona Munro was also sent to Mr Mackay, warning of a "slaughter" in the arts world if funds are reduced.

The new letter from Arts & Business says that at £325 million, total spending on culture, tourism and external affairs represents less than 1% of the current Scottish budget for 2017-18.

It suggests that a modest increase in public funding for the sector would enable Scotland’s core cultural infrastructure to survive and thrive.

David Watt, chief executive of Arts & Business Scotland, said: "This letter demonstrates the strength of concern amongst our members that future funding for culture is at real risk as part of this year’s Scottish budget negotiations – and the devastating impact a cut in funding would have for arts and heritage organisations throughout the length and breadth of Scotland.

"Aside from this, I think we are able to make a compelling case that the cultural sector is actually already punching significantly above its weight when it comes to addressing a wide range of Scottish Government priorities.

"Scotland’s culture and heritage is a key selling point when it comes to marketing Scotland as a global tourist destination, thereby supporting a tourism industry that is worth £11 billion annually to the Scottish economy."

He added: "Set in that context, it’s clear that the small percentage of the Scottish budget invested each year in the cultural sector offers outstanding value for money.

"As a minimum, that funding must be protected as part of next year’s Scottish budget settlement."

One of the business representatives to have co-signed the letter, Calum Bennie, Communications Manager at Scottish Friendly Assurance said:

"A vibrant cultural scene is at the heart of any successful town, village or city.

"It gives sustenance to residents and employees and is a key factor in attracting visitors, businesses and new employees. For all these reasons Scottish Friendly continues to thrive in Glasgow because the city's cultural scene thrives."

Brian Inkster, chief executive of Inksters Solicitors added: "We have partnered with a number of arts organisations to great effect.

"It is extremely important for Scotland to have a vibrant cultural sector and there must be public financial support to achieve and maintain that."