The T in the Park promoters were given £200,000 towards hosting concerts in Glasgow the Culture Secretary has revealed.
Fiona Hyslop came under criticism in the Scottish Parliament for the second day in a row over the government’s funding of £150,000 for the music festival in Strathallan in Perthshire.
In among questions form Tory, Labour and LibDem MSPs she was asked by an SNP MSP , if she knew of any funding to DF Concerts for the Summer Sessions in Glasgow.
The council however said the two were not comparable as well as economic benefit to the city it would get every penny back in rental charges for Bellahouston Park.
James Kelly Labour MSP asked Ms Hyslop why money was paid to a profit making venture.
Ms Hyslop said T in the Park brought £15m economic benefit to Scotland, created jobs boosted tourism and the economy.
She added: These companies judge events on an event by event basis. With unanticipated costs they might want to change the set up. It might mean Glasgow would benefit from more single stage single day events by that company, but it would not be the T in the park people have come to love.”
She was also asked by Tory MSP Liz Smith if there had been any meetings after Tin the Park concluded.
Liam McArthur LibDem MSP asked if any additional funding was asked of the main sponsor Tennent’s.
Ms Hyslop said that would be commercially confidential.
In response to a question from SNP MSP Gordon McDonald Ms Hyslop revealed the council funding for the Summer Sessions in Bellahouston Park which this year featured Paolo Nutini, Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris
Gordon MacDonald said: “DF concerts hosted a series of concerts the Summer Sessions in Glasgow this year.
“Is the cabinet secretary aware of any funding from the public sector for those concerts and who provided it?
Ms Hyslop, said: “The Scottish Government didn’t provide DF Concerts with financial support for the summer sessions in Glasgow. We understand however that £200,000 from Glasgow City Council to provide the livery for the summer sessions was provided.
“It was funded on a commercial arrangement to establish the summer Sessions on a level commercial footing, so that in future years they would generate money for the city.”
A council spokesman said: “The council provided £200,000 to help get the Summer Sessions onto a sound commercial footing and establish the event as a successful brand.
“That money will be paid back directly to the council in future years through rental charges for the use of our park. In addition, the event will continue to generate a knock-on economic impact for the city.”
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