SCOTLAND's Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, has said the government's new Culture Strategy will be published later this year.

The Scottish Government has published an analysis of responses to the public consultation.

The report prepared by independent consultants, Craigforth Consulting Ltd, outlines the views expressed in the consultation, with 89% of those responding supporting the draft strategy.

It adds: "Others suggested the draft strategy could be more ambitious or called for the draft strategy to be more inspirational, motivating or exciting.

"There was some support for the ‘broad-brush’, non-prescriptive approach to describing culture, including as a range of activities experienced by communities throughout Scotland.

"However, the absence of a definition of culture was an issue for some respondents."

A number of respondents wished to see greater coverage or prominence given to heritage, tangible and intangible, including museums, libraries, archives and the

historic environment.

Those who did not support the strategy said it is vague, and a definition of culture is required.

The report adds: "It was also felt that more emphasis should be given to the role of cultural heritage, and that if the draft strategy suggests delivery will only be achieved through creative processes, those working in the cultural heritage sector will feel excluded.

"Others asked whether the delivery of the draft strategy is practical, affordable or realistic."

Ms Hyslop said: "I’ve been really impressed with the high level of engagement from people right across the country in the ongoing development of the strategy, as well as with the sheer breadth and quality of the debate. The feedback received has again highlighted the many ways in which we value and express culture and signposted what the priorities for culture should be.

"The recent public consultation on a draft ‘Culture Strategy for Scotland’ and today’s publication of the analysis report mark the next stage in the vibrant national culture conversation which began in June 2017.

"This gives us a strong basis on which to found the new ‘Culture Strategy for Scotland’, which will be published later this year."

www.gov.scot

A CHURCH in Linlithgow, St Peter’s, is hosting a series of concerts featuring leading folk and jazz musicians over the coming months.

Following a pilot series in the autumn that included English singer-songwriter Chris Wood and Indian violinist Jyotsna Srikanth, the 2019 season will begin with award-winning jazz duo, saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski and pianist Euan Stevenson’s Classical Connection presentation on Thursday, January 31.

Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Rory Butler follows on Friday, February 22, with saxophonist Laura Macdonald and pianist Steve Hamilton appearing on Friday, March 22 and guitarist Graeme Stephen presenting his acclaimed World War 1 commemoration, Letters for Peace on Friday April 26.

English folk music veteran Martin Carthy and his daughter, Eliza, are among the names confirmed for later in the spring.

The concerts are sponsored by local firm, Veitch Solicitors & Notaries.

www.stpeterslinlithgow.co.uk

A NEW exhibition showcasing the world of tattoo art, British Tattoo Art Revealed, is on show at Rozelle House in Ayr.

The exhibition runs until 3 March.

Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed is curated by The National Maritime Museum Cornwall, an independent Museum based in Falmouth.

It showcases the work of major tattoo artists from George Burchett, via the Bristol Tattoo Club, to Alex Binnie and Lal Hardy.

Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio holder for Economy and Culture said: "With lifelike exhibits, a fascinating social history and live tattooing, this is a truly unique exhibition that people won’t have seen anything quite like before.

"We’re proud to have brought British Tattoo Art Revealed to Rozelle House with the event making the case for South Ayrshire as a go-to cultural destination, helping to drive tourism, and supporting the local economy.

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked so hard behind the scenes to bring these exhibits to life and I’m sure that anyone who travels to see the exhibition won’t be disappointed.”

Among the 400 original artworks, photographs and historic artefacts is the striking ‘100 Hands Project’, curated by Alice Snape of ‘Things and Ink’ magazine.

This showcases one hundred lifelike silicone arms, each tattooed with an original design by 100 of the leading tattoo artists working across the UK.

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk