Investment in Scotland’s culture sector delivers lasting value for communities, the economy, and national identity, according to Gaelic singer and SNP candidate Eilidh Munro.
Speaking following the Scottish Budget announcement, Munro welcomed increased funding for culture and the Gaelic language, describing it as money well spent even in challenging financial times.
The Scottish Government has confirmed an additional £20 million for the culture portfolio in 2026 to 27, taking total spending in the area to more than £70 million.
Ministers have also set out plans to increase cultural funding to £100 million by 2028 to 29, a target the government says it remains on track to meet.
Alongside this, the Gaelic budget has been increased to £32.4 million for 2026 to 27, a move welcomed by campaigners concerned about the long term sustainability of the language.
Munro, who is an established Gaelic singer and musician, said the additional funding brings much needed stability to a sector that has faced years of uncertainty.
“The Scottish Government’s commitment to culture spending in the recent budget is very welcome.
“Funding set aside in the budget will, among other things, allow Creative Scotland to offer regular funding to the largest ever number of organisations across Scotland.”
“The sector needs certainty, and that’s why the multi year funding being offered now is such a big step forward.”
Munro said investment in arts and culture has a direct impact across the Highlands and beyond.
“Investing in our arts and culture is vital, even when budgets are tight.”
“We have a vibrant creative sector all over the Highlands, and nationally, people travel to Scotland to experience our history, our music, our language and our cultural offering, and the money we put into our cultural organisations is more than worthwhile.”
She also highlighted the importance of targeted support for Gaelic at a critical moment for the language.
“With the Gaelic language at such a precarious point, this additional investment is much needed if there’s any hope of sustaining Gaelic as a living, community language for the years to come.
“We need a continued combination of grassroots efforts, with the right investment, government support, and the use of new structures such as Areas of Linguistic Significance, to protect our language for future generations.”
For supporters of Scotland’s creative and linguistic heritage, the budget signals a clear intent to back culture not as a luxury, but as a core part of national life.
