Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 27 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) consultation it held with and (b) feedback it received from film houses, independent cinemas and representative bodies regarding any proposed budget allocations for film houses in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, in light of reports that an earlier published version of its draft Budget 2026-27 included an allocation of £500,000 for such film houses.
As noted in my response to Mr. Marra’s PQ, reference S6W-43092 on 27 January 2026, the Scottish Government is absolutely clear on the value of cultural cinema, and we are continuing to engage with Screen Scotland and others to ensure that cultural cinema is protected for Scotland's audiences today and in the long term. For that reason, the budget for 2026-27 provisionally allocates up to £500,000 to support cultural cinemas in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.
We have had representations over a number of years from Screen Scotland, the Aberdeen Belmont, the Edinburgh Filmhouse, and the Glasgow Film Theatre, in relation to the need for support to allow their work as cultural cinemas to restart, continue, and operate sustainably into the future.
Discussions will take place with all of these organisations to ensure that the proposed funding is disbursed fairly, to best ensure the protection and growth of cultural cinema in Scotland.
All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.