Holyrood Live: Scottish economic growth forecasts downgraded

Summary

Derek Mackay confirms the economy is predicted to grow 0.8% in 2019, down from 1.3% in 2018
Nicola Sturgeon was quizzed during FMQs
Ruth Davidson asked about NHS waits, Richard Leonard raised problems at a rail works and Willie Rennie went on Brexit
The disenfranchisement of EU nationals, access to care and poverty were also raised

Live Reporting

Louise Wilson and Bryn Palmer

Completing funding applications is a 'skill you have to really work at'published at 09:12 British Summer Time 30 May 2019
Image caption,
Harry Josephine Giles is a freelance writer and performer
Convener Joan McAlpine begins with a question on support for artists.
Harry Josephine Giles explains the majority of money to make art requires completing a funding application which is a "skill you have to really work at".
It's not a skill that has any correlation with art or artistic merit, they tell the committee.
They highlight the arts organisations will often have dedicated staff to filling out these applications and as a freelancer, Harry does not get paid for filling out their own applications.
This is an inequality that disfavours freelance artists, Harry Josephine Giles adds.
Background: Committee begins arts funding inquirypublished at 09:10 British Summer Time 30 May 2019
The culture committee launched this inquiry into arts funding earlier this year.
It follows on from its work last year regarding Creative Scotland's performance and how the body funds arts organisations and freelancers.
The inquiry is looking at two overarching issues:
- What would a sustainable model of funding look like?
- How should that funding be made available to artists?
Read submissions received on the inquiry here., external
Culture committee kicks off soon...published at 08:56 British Summer Time 30 May 2019
The culture committee will begin shortly. MSPs are hearing from:
- Professor Richard Demarco, external
- Harry Josephine Giles, external
- David Leddy from Fire Exit Theatre Company, external
- Rhona Matheson from Starcatchers Theatre Company, external
- Ken Mathieson, external
- Raymond Vilakazi from Neo Productions, external
Read the committee papers here., external
Welcome to Holyrood Live!published at 14:16 British Summer Time 27 May 2019
Image source, BBC/SP
Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live!
Here's what we're covering today:
- Culture Committee: Arts funding
- General questions
- First minister’s questions
- Member’s debate: Hard-line Visa Controls’ Impact on Edinburgh’s Festivals
- Portfolio questions: Social security and older people ministers
- Ministerial statement: Medium-term financial strategy
- Scottish government debate: A Trading Nation