Labour query SNP’s role in festival grant
MINISTERS are facing questions after it emerged a former SNP adviser helped T in the Park secure £150,000 in state aid f rom the Scottish Government.
Labour culture spokeswoman Claire Baker called for clarification over why the monday was handed over to the festival organiser DF Concerts, despite almost fourfifths of the firm being owned by a company with a turnover of £167 million and pre-tax profits of £9 million.
It comes after it emerged that Jennifer Dempsie, an ex-special adviser to Alex Salmond and the partner of SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson, brokered a meeting between culture secretary Fiona Hyslop and DF Concerts while working for the firm.
The meeting ultimately led to the Scottish Government handing over cash to the firm, with Ms Hyslop’s approval.
A letter from Ms Baker to Ms Hyslop states: “Given the success of T in the Park, these figures raise the question of why the festival needed any form of public funding.
“I would be grateful if you could clarify on what grounds this state aid was deemed necessary for one of the most profitable events in the Scottish cultural calendar.”
Ms Dempsie is hoping to become a list MSP in Highlands and Islands. Ms Hyslop publicly endorsed Ms Dempsie’s bid to become an MSP while the state aid deal was being assessed.
T in the Park admitted that Ms Dempsie had set up the meeting where funding was discussed with Ms Hyslop, but had not attended it or had any further involvement.