Minutes: 27 October 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3, 4 and 5 in private.

The Committee agreed its consideration of the following items should be taken in private at its next meeting:

• Consideration of a draft letter on pre-budget scrutiny;
• Consideration of an approach paper for a Screen Scotland inquiry;
• Consideration of a draft response to the Senedd's Constitution, Justice and External Affairs Committee inquiry into its inter-institutional relations agreement;
• Consideration of its approach to devolution oversight and an initial draft oversight report.

2. Pre-Budget scrutiny – evidence:

The Committee took evidence as part of its scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28 from—

     Alastair Evans, Director of Strategy and Martin McGoldrick, Chief Operating Officer, Creative Scotland;

and then from—

Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, supported by Jamie MacDougall, Deputy Director, Culture and Historic Environment, Scottish Government.

Pauline Stafford declared an interest as a Councillor for West Lothian Council.

Heather Anderson declared an interest as a friend and former Director of Dundee Contemporary Art.

Heather Anderson declared an interest as a Councillor for Dundee City Council.

3. Pre-Budget scrutiny – evidence review (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. Pre-Budget scrutiny – letter recommendations (in private):

The Committee considered recommendations to include in its letter on its culture scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28.

5. Pre-Budget scrutiny – letter (in private):

The Committee considered draft letters on its international development and external affairs scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28. Various changes were agreed to and the Committee delegated to the Convener responsibility for finalising the draft letters for publication.