Actor Sam Heughan and Scotland’s culture secretary have helped mark 40 years of cultural investment and partnership in Scotland.
Mr Heughan, best known for playing Jamie Fraser in Outlander, joined Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, at an event celebrating the work of Culture & Business Scotland.
The charity, which supports partnerships between the cultural and business sectors, estimates it has helped unlock around £20 million in investment and sponsorship over the past four decades.
The event was held at the National Galleries of Scotland: National and brought together representatives from the arts, heritage, business and third sectors.
Ms McAllan used the event to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing an additional £100 million a year in culture by 2028-29, while highlighting the importance of private sector support.
She said government funding was only part of the overall picture and pointed to the role sponsorship and business investment play in supporting Scotland’s creative industries.
Mr Heughan spoke about the international profile of Scotland’s creative sector and the benefits of collaboration between artists and businesses.
David Nelson, executive director of Culture & Business Scotland, said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on past achievements while looking ahead to future growth and new opportunities for philanthropy and sponsorship.
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Màiri McAllan said: "I thank Culture & Business Scotland for facilitating this event and for their decades-long commitment to arts, culture and business in Scotland.
"I was honoured to make my first speech as culture secretary at this event.
"It was a pleasure to meet so many people from across the creative industries, alongside business leaders who are helping to nurture Scotland's vibrant creative ecosystem.
"Incentivising business investment and sponsorship also demonstratively plays a crucial role.
"I am determined to champion the sector within government and do everything in my power to maximise its potential – Culture & Business Scotland will be a key partner in that effort."
Sam Heughan said: "As an actor and as a business owner, I’m fully aware of what can be achieved when entrepreneurs, industry leaders and artists work together.
"Whenever I speak to people around the world about Scotland, they always talk about our artistic output, our iconic exports and our growing reputation for innovation.
"These are the things which get us noticed on the global stage."
