Jon Hebditch
Council chiefs have urged the Scottish Government to invest in Aberdeen’s “cultural economy” after it emerged Edinburgh’s festivals will receive a £2.3million boost.
The government recently announced they were ploughing an extra £300,000 into the capital’s festivals, including mainstays like the Fringe and Edinburgh Film Festival.
Announcing the funds, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Edinburgh’s festivals provide and excellent platform to promote Scotland’s rich culture, heritage and distinct identity on the world stage.”
But Aberdeen City Council bosses are now demanding their own festivals get government cash.
They have vowed to write to Ms Hyslop to question whether any extra funds for the Granite City celebrations.
Council leader Jenny Laing said with the reputation of the likes of the Spectra light festival, it was important for the city to build on its cultural offerings.
She said: “Our cultural economy is becoming an increasingly important part of our economic strategy as a whole.
“Given the city is struggling at the moment and we are looking for all sources of income, you would think the Scottish Government would be pulling out all the stops to support this.
“To give yet more cash to the central belt while ignoring the north-east shows that Aberdeen really is the Scottish Government’s forgotten city.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the investment in the capital would benefit the whole Scottish economy.
She said: “Our investment in the Edinburgh festivals benefits the entire Scottish economy by attracting tourism and inward investment and showcasing Scotland as a leading international destination. The recently announced additional funding this year is to support the 70th anniversary of the Edinburgh International Festivals.
“The Scottish Government is delivering a huge amount of investment in Aberdeen and the north-east, including our share of the Aberdeen City Deal plus an additional £254million investment alongside it.
“We have not been contacted by Aberdeen City Council on this issue but will consider any approach.”