Arts sector in Scotland at risk of ‘death by slow cuts’, leading figures warn

Exclusive: Heads of organisations say lack of funding clarity and wider policy could cause temporary closures in months

Arts leaders in Scotland have warned that the sector is facing death by slow cuts" because of a lack of clarity over funding, with delays and funding shortfalls meaning some major institutions could be at risk of temporary closure within months.

Shona McCarthy, who is stepping down as the director of the Edinburgh festival fringe in 2025 after nine years, called for clarity from the Scottish government - not just on funding but also its wider arts policy.