Within a few hours of the publication of the Scottish Government's programme for
2008-09,
and the Scottish Artist Union's calls for clarity over the future of Creative
Scotland, details of
the Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Culture's plans have emerged. An
account of Linda
Fabiani's statement can be found at the link below. The key points appear to
be:

- arrangements for establishing Creative Scotland will undergo further
Parliamentary scrutiny
through the Government's new Public Services Reform Bill
- said Bill will "enshrine" the arms' length principle
- Creative Scotland will begin life as a company limited by guarantee
- the new board of directors and chief executive will be in place by April 2009,
with the
organisation maturing into a statutory body by February 2010

The Scottish Artists Union eagerly awaits the publication of this new Bill and
the opportunity
to participate in the promised scrutiny, endeavouring to amend or- if necessary-
oppose it if
it does not serve the needs of Scotland's visual artists.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/09/03115220