Ruth Wishart

It was a truly jaw-dropping moment. The board of Creative Scotland had just been given a presentation by members of the senior staff as to the impact on Scotland’s arts and creative industries of various budget scenarios dependant on the settlement agreed next month with the Scottish Government.

“Her Majesty has been pleased…”. Really? Can we be sure in an age where honours are distributed to everyone from spin doctors, to sex shop executives, to serial party donors, that the 90 year old monarch in whose name these gongs are distributed is even aware how discredited so many of them have become?

Those mourning the loss of Willie McIlvanney this morning number countless thousands beyond his soulmate Siobhan, family and friends.