I will answer in the same way as I have answered other colleagues who have shared a concern that I have, and that the Scottish Government has, that the letter and the spirit of the rules in terms of commissioning in Scotland should be upheld. I met Ofcom and the BBC to stress that there is growing unease about certain decisions supporting certain commissions and the apparent lack of Scottish involvement in them. It has become problematic, which is why I have held those meetings. I know that it has been the subject of evidence sessions at committee, and I know that the BBC and Ofcom know that that questioning will continue.

I welcome the UK Government’s commitment to increased defence spending at a time of such acute need across Europe. Having said that, I am deeply disappointed at the cut in overseas aid, which involves the lowest percentage of UK finance being spent on aid in a quarter of a century. Globally, we all need to step up to support the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our partner countries through international development and climate justice funding while responding to global humanitarian crises as a responsible, compassionate and good global citizen.

The provision of funding through Museums and Galleries Scotland helps in the provision of support for museums and galleries right across Scotland. I am sure that Mr Kerr did not want to inadvertently mislead Parliament by suggesting that the amount of funding for local government is going down. As a result of the budget that was passed yesterday—which he voted against—funding for local government is going up.

If Mr Kerr wishes to draw any specific issues to my attention, he knows that I am a big supporter of protecting museums and galleries the length and breadth of Scotland. If there is any way in which Creative Scotland or other parts of the Scottish Government can intervene to protect our cultural infrastructure, I am happy for them to do just that.

As the lead public body for the historic environment, Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for the plans and care of Dumbarton castle. I will ask Historic Environment Scotland to write directly to Jackie Baillie with the answer to her question. As I said to members in December, I am happy to take up the invitation to visit Dumbarton castle with Jackie Baillie, and I confirm that the arrangements for that visit are in hand.

I praise the ingenious way in which Jackie Baillie has invited me to publicise a plan from an arm’s-length organisation that I do not manage on an operational basis. However, I will reflect on the very encouraging update that she has given to Parliament. I look forward to her and Historic Environment Scotland briefing me more when we visit Dumbarton castle. I do not need to rehearse the history of Dumbarton castle—I know how important it is. I look forward to working with Jackie Baillie and other members, including regional members of the Scottish Parliament who represent Dumbarton, on making sure that the castle is presented and supported in the way that she and everybody else would expect.

I am reminding myself of the original question, which was on multiyear funding. Nevertheless, Dame Sue Bruce will, no doubt, in addition to looking at the impact of multiyear funding on the creative sector, be looking more broadly—as I have asked her to do—at the workings of Creative Scotland. I have already outlined the timescale for that, but I would be happy to write to Stephen Kerr on the scope and remit of the review, on which I am being advised by Dame Sue Bruce.

Yes—we are supportive of digitisation efforts to ensure that Scotland’s cultural assets are accessible to domestic and global audiences. I will give just two examples. The National Library of Scotland is already undertaking extensive work to digitise its collection, with a third of it now being in digital format. That includes thousands of maps, moving images, books, newspapers and journals. Historic Environment Scotland provides access to extensive digital resources, which range from curated online exhibitions to interactive online maps that show archaeological and historical sites, as well as modern and past land use across the country.

We are committed to the growth of our screen sector, with more Scotland-originated productions showcasing the incredible talent that we have in Scotland. We support Screen Scotland, our dedicated public agency for screen, through grant-in-aid funding. In 2025-26, we will increase its budget by £2 million to £11.25 million overall. That will allow it to continue its excellent work to nurture locally originated content, develop skills and training opportunities and education for the next generation, and increase inward investment.

We continue to urge the public service broadcasters and Ofcom to ensure greater support for Scotland-based productions. I recently met Ofcom and the BBC to set out our clear expectations for fairer investment and representation in Scotland.

Local authorities are accountable to the public who elect them and have the financial freedom to operate independently. I am in contact with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ spokesperson for community wellbeing, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, whom I met last month. I will work with culture conveners throughout 2025 on how local and national organisations can work together to support and promote culture.

I pay tribute to Colin Beattie for the leadership that he has shown on the issue. I recognise how disappointing East Lothian Council’s difficult decision to close Brunton theatre is. As I have previously advised, it is the responsibility of individual local authorities to manage their own budgets, and it is also necessary to ensure that the building is safe.

I welcome the fact that the Brunton has already managed to continue to operate through other locations across East Lothian and the excellent recent news that it was successful in its application to Creative Scotland’s multiyear funding programme, with an award of £130,000. I look forward to seeing its plans for the use of that funding.