Arts quango apologises over cuts row

● ‘Root and branch’ review promised in wake of criticism

Creative Scotland has admitted a cover-up over how controversial funding cuts were made – as its chief executive admitted she was “profoundly sorry” over how they were handled.

The quango has also pledged a “root and branch” review of the way funding decisions were made and a “reset” of its future priorities in the wake of widespread criticism.

Janet Archer, who has been at the helm of the government body for nearly five years, admitted her organisation had caused “real difficulties” with its handling of more than £150 million worth of applications, adding: “None of us wants to repeat the experience.”

But she stopped short of agreeing to an independent review of how Creative Scotland was operating – despite MSPS being told that concerns over the accuracy of official

0 Creative Scotland chief executive Janet Archer apologised to MSPS reports on applicants were not passed on to its board.

Holyrood’s culture committee heard an admission from the quango that it was misleading to claim there was “unanimous” agreement over 100 per cent cuts for theatre companies working with children and disabled performers when serious concerns were raised at boardroom level.

Ms Archer told MSPS that the minutes of the crucial board meeting last month had since been altered to reflect the true nature of the internal debate, which led to the departure of two board members, Ruth Wishart and Maggie Kinloch.

Benthomson–interimchair of the quango when it imposed 100 per cent cuts on 20 companies – who also apologised for the handling of the funding decisions, previously insisted they were “unanimously signed off by the board”.

Ms Archer and Mr Thomson both admitted at the committee hearing that there had been intense debate on the possible impact of its cuts.

Challenged on the claims of unanimity, Mr Thomson said: “Everyone had reservations about certain things. Virtually every board member raised concerns.”

Ms Thomson stepped in last July following the death of former STV chairman Richard Findlay. Creative Scotland’s new chairman, Robert Wilson, hosted his first board meeting on 15 February.

Ms Archer said: “The board has reflected on the use of the word unanimous on the minutes of the meeting in January and has now amended it to say it was a majority decision.”

Committee convener Joan Mcalpine said: “That was quite a big mistake to say a decision has been unanimous when there has actually been a huge barney.”

Ms Archer said: “I’m profoundly sorry that the delivery of this process has been such a negative one for many. We can’t let that happen again. My role is to take ultimate responsibility for everything that Creative Scotland does.”