Four out of five Scots believe Scottish arts and culture are an important to the economy, according to a new poll.
The findings of the survey, which was commissioned by the Saltire Society, were announced as the organisation's new charity launched a drive to raise £3m over the next 10 months to support Scottish arts, heritage and culture and to help foster new and existing talent.
The Saltire Society Trust was launched in November with combined assets totalling more than £2m but is aiming to reach £5m by St. Andrew's Day 2016.
Just over 1,000 adults were questioned earlier this month, and 78% of respondents rated Scottish arts and culture as being 'very important' or 'quite important' to the Scottish economy compared to just 14% who rated them as 'not very important' or 'not at all important'.
The findings of the poll will be revealed at a reception at the Scotland Office's Dover House HQ which will be attended by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell MP.
Mr Mundell praised the Society for its important work to celebrate and support Scotland's cultural heritage.
Former Artistic Director at the National Theatre of Scotland Vicky Featherstone, who is now Artistic Director at London's Royal Court Theatre, will call for more support for Scottish culture and the arts at the reception, which will also be attended by author A. L. Kennedy and London-based collaborative artists Joan, Sebastian and Georgia Boyle. The Spencer Strachan Duo will perform excerpts from Scottish composer Edward McGuire's Dance Suite for Two.
The reception marks the beginning of a series of fundraising events by the Saltire Society, which is particularly aiming to hold a series of events in London designed to stimulate interest in Scotland's arts and culture south of the border and identify new supporters willing to contribute funds to the Saltire Society Trust.
Saltire Society President Magnus Linklater said: "Scotland's distinctive arts, heritage and culture are a crucial contributor to our economic success and a valuable export.
"Initiatives such as the newly created Saltire Society Trust aim to ensure that this economic contribution is sustained in the years ahead."
Vicky Featherstone commented: "Scotland offers something absolutely unique to our cultural and civic life. It is really important that we continue to encourage existing and emerging Scottish talents to develop and grow."
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