Chamber and committees

She has raised it to being dance partners. This is going in directions that are not included in my speaking notes or in my diary commitments, but I say yes to that.

As others have, Monica Lennon pointed to different individuals in Rutherglen and to organisations founded and present in Rutherglen over the past 900 years. She highlighted the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. As the cabinet secretary responsible for external affairs and, through that, international development, I know that that organisation is a key partner for Scotland, and I know about all the good work that it does internationally, although I was unaware of its connections to Rutherglen.

I thank Monica Lennon for her contribution, and I thank Paul Sweeney for his intervention. He always has something to add when it comes to the history of different places in Scotland.

We hear the Parliament updated from a sedentary position, Presiding Officer, that it will be contemporary dance. When the dates are confirmed, I am happy that my office will be in touch with Monica Lennon’s to make the necessary arrangements for both of us to attend that event.

I do. It also underlines something that is true for Rutherglen as well as the rest of Scotland, which is that, in the fabric of our communities, what happens in them is also outward facing: our communities look to other places in the world.

All members in the debate drew attention to the importance of volunteers, Scotland’s third sector and those who have contributed to Rutherglen’s public life over the years through community-led activities, festivals and events. As we have heard, Rutherglen shines as a great example of the community working together to honour its rich history and bright future by creating a programme for a wonderful year of celebrations, led by the community, with events ranging from heritage to the arts, wellbeing, environmental and sporting activities, and much else besides. Thousands of Scotland’s cultural and arts groups rely on dedicated volunteers, whose time and effort make those events so successful. It is great to see celebrations bringing together people, organisations, schools and volunteers across Rutherglen, and it is nice that so many people were recognised across the chamber for having made a contribution.

Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Government, we value the significant contribution that volunteers make to cultural activity in our communities. The vast majority of community-level cultural initiatives are driven by committees of dedicated volunteers, and many community-based cultural events rely on the practical support of volunteers to succeed. I add my voice to those around the chamber who have put that on the record during the debate.

I have been struck by the range of events that are on the programme for Rutherglen 900 and that are already under way. Edinburgh celebrated its 900thanniversary two years ago. Although I am the member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Central, no competition is implied with my colleague Clare Haughey, who led the debate. Rutherglen and Edinburgh became royal boroughs at about the same time, and I have some experience of what can be done with a 900th anniversary. I have taken the time to have a look at the programme of events in Rutherglen this year, and there is something for absolutely everyone. Mention has already been made—and I will add my pointer to it—that there is an amazing amount of information on the Rutherglen 900 website. If anyone who is listening to or watching this debate wants to know what is on and when, I urge them to visit that website, as all the information is there. I think that I am right in saying that the web address is rutherglen900.com.

The variety of what is on offer and the enthusiasm behind it reflect a key strength of the community. As we have heard, the Rutherglen 900 project held a successful launch event at Rutherglen town hall on 29 January, which was only a few days ago. The launch featured live bagpipe playing, historic photographs, school artwork and the debut of the “Song of Rutherglen”, which was performed by local children from all 10 primary schools. It also included an appearance by Dougie the pigeon, the newly designed town mascot. [Interruption.] Let the record show that there was whooping in the chamber at the mention of Dougie the pigeon.

Another success was the sold-out performance of “Bloom”, a mixture of dance, music and video projections, which was part ceilidh and part Japanese dance, reflecting the diversity of the Rutherglen community. The performance was described as “beautiful” and “mesmerising”. I also note the 900 origami peace cranes, which is a novel art project that was developed by the rotary club of Rutherglen and women from the Nurture Educational and Multicultural Society in Cambuslang. The cranes represent peace, hope, harmony, community and future happiness.

As ever, I agree with the general points that have been made. On the issue of castings, I am satisfied that efforts have been made to ensure that there will be no loss of intellectual property, history or heritage.

That is fantastic. Those of us who are part of the on-going debate about skills in the heritage sector know how important stonemasonry is, so that is excellent to hear.

I am looking at the clock and realise that I am over my time, so—[Interruption.] Was that a request for an intervention from Bob Doris? It will have to be very short.

Well, that is now on the record, so it must be true.

I appreciate that I am over my allotted time, but I will make some brief final comments. In recognition of the importance of the volunteer-led efforts that I have described, the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in inclusive volunteering through the volunteering support fund, in which £2.2 million is being invested between 2025 and 2027. The fund helps organisations to recruit additional volunteers for volunteering projects, and it focuses particularly on supporting individuals who face barriers to volunteering, such as those from black and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. By prioritising diversity, the fund aims to broaden the volunteer base in the sector.

Projects that have been funded in the area include Camglen Radio, a 24/7 community radio station that serves Cambuslang and Rutherglen, with the core aim of addressing inequality, promoting inclusion and improving wellbeing by giving local people a voice. The project includes targeted outreach sessions to engage underrepresented groups in the area.

Another VSF grant will help Project 31 to support people living in Cambuslang and Rutherglen, particularly children, families, parents, carers and older people. The project delivers a significant amount of outdoor activity that is free at the point of contact, which ensures that people are not prevented from participating by the impact of poverty.

I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate and Rutherglen on its 900th anniversary celebrations, and I pay particular tribute to the community of volunteers who have made it all happen.

I very much hope that that is the case. This type of discussion is exactly the same as discussions that we have had in recent years as a result of the pressures elsewhere in the culture sector. For example, the national collections, national museums and others have perhaps not had the allocation that they require in year, but they need assurances—in the case of some organisations, around staff and staff pay—to be able to report to board members, trustees and people who have fiduciary responsibilities.

As I am sure that Mr Harvie will appreciate, it is not simple for the Government to commit to something in a forward budgetary process. For example, with multiyear funding, we were able to confirm what we were going to deliver in the first year of multiyear funding, and what the intention was in year 2. That was very much about giving people a degree of assurance, in as much as a commitment can be given for the next year. Mr Harvie pointed to an additional reality that we need to recognise, which is that we have an election coming up.

I can speak only for my party in relation to what commitments might be given, but I encourage all colleagues in all political parties, in their manifestos, to give the same degree of commitment that my party will provide. That will help to give companies maximum clarity and assurance, so that no decisions that are avoidable need be taken by those companies or by anybody else.

Absolutely.

The fact that we have delivered 70 per cent—£70 million in total—of the £100 million increase should give people confidence that we are delivering on the aspirations of the culture sector. However, that in itself is only the revenue side of the picture, as I am sure that Mr Halcro Johnston would acknowledge.

One can look at other specific projects that are a major boost to confidence in the sector. Look at what is happening with the Dunard centre, the art works project and the King’s theatre and at what has already been delivered for the Citizens Theatre. The Scottish Government has made significant intervention in a load of areas that are giving people confidence and providing amazing venues. The art works project, for example, will be absolutely groundbreaking in relation to how Scotland’s national treasures are housed and opened to the public. Those things are happening.

Do I acknowledge that we are not there yet? Have we delivered 100 per cent of the £100 million increase that we committed to? No, we are not there yet, but we are 70 per cent of the way there, and with the encouragement of the likes of the national performing companies, members of this committee and others to make sure that we get there, we will do so.

11:15

The first thing to say is to assure Mr Halcro Johnston that work with local government is indeed on-going. Not that long ago, I met the culture conveners of local authorities—the people who are responsible for the provision of culture by local authorities, of all parties and none—and there was a shared commitment to maintaining cultural infrastructure, which is delivered currently—