Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop spoke to film industry representatives today to tell them that only independence will improve support to that sector of the creative industries in Scotland.
She is this evening holding a reception at Edinburgh Castle for them perhaps to endorse the message. The Scottish Government has issued a discussion paper as to the variety of ways that the government could support the film industry after a Yes vote in September, such as tax relief and incentives used across other countries. The government says that it is committed to increase incentives for screen production and other options of support in the first term of Parliament.
The public sector in Scotland invested £21million in the period 2012/13, and it is widely expected that an announcement on a Scottish film studio might be made this summer.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Hyslop said:
“Independence for Scotland would offer the opportunity to make a meaningful change in support for the screen sector, by focusing the world’s attention on our nation and giving power over crucial instruments such as fiscal incentives.
“The paper I am publishing today will inform debate on how best to make that happen. It sets out a range of options for support for the sector which are already working across Europe.
“The Scottish Government recognises the huge potential the industry has and is committed to realising this. Following a vote for independence, we would review the package of support available for the sector within the first term of Parliament.
“Only independence offers the range of powers that can make a difference. None of the proposals for more devolution contain anything that would devolve tax powers relating to screen production.
“The successful filming of Outlander in Cumbernauld – Scotland’s largest inward investment in screen – shows that there are no limits to what our industry can achieve, and that there should be no limits to our ambition.
“We have consistently championed Scotland as a location for international film and TV productions and we work hard to ensure Scotland is widely recognised for its world-class talent, crews, facilities and breath taking locations. Scottish Ministers are firmly committed to supporting a sustained increase in production.
“We are a dynamic and creative country and we are ambitious to do more. Our sector lags behind that of nations comparable in size, such as Ireland and Finland.
“We are already taking the action we can to support the industry under present constitutional arrangements – we are currently considering a number of proposals for developing and operating a Scottish film studio.
“But with the powers of independence we could help this vital industry to reach its full potential. Independence would change broadcasting and film for the better, both for the industry and for the public.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
