This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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St Andrew's Day speech
30/11/2003
Placing culture at the heart of government will help shape Scotland's future and release the potential of all Scots, First Minister Jack McConnell, said today.
He set out his new direction for cultural policy during his St Andrew's Day lecture at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow to an audience of around 150 students and leading figures in the arts world.
The First Minister said:
"For the last two years we have rightly focused on delivering better health care, improving education and making our communities safer.
"But this should not mean that we ignore the importance culture has to play in our personal lives and in shaping our national identity.
"Culture cuts across every aspect of government - it can make a difference to our success in tackling poverty, it can make Scotland a healthier place and it has a significant contribution to make towards our economy.
"Each member of the Scottish cabinet will use the power of cultural activity to help them in their work - culture will not be an add on, it will be at the core of everything we do. And the best place to start is with our children, from the earliest age we must give them the chance to express themselves, in art, dance, drama, music and sport."
Mr McConnell then went on to outline how each department could strengthen their contribution to Scotland 's cultural activity.
"I want to see imaginative and new proposals coming forward from all ministers. The planning system can be a powerful tool to encourage creativity in our open spaces and the built environment.
"Our health team will look at the range of ways the arts have been used around the world as therapy and see how we might apply them here in Scotland .
"One of the biggest barriers to people attending cultural events is transport - changing that is a challenge for the transport team as much as it is for the cultural sector.
"And our criminal justice system will look at building on the success of the pilot restorative justice projects we have introduced. There is real evidence that exposure to creative options can divert youngsters and adults from expressing themselves through violence."
And he called on others to play their part:
" Scotland 's local authorities have long recognised many of the benefits of cultural investment, but we will ask them to examine how they can take that even further.
"Everyone has a stake in the development of our culture, in shaping our future - the private sector and the voluntary sector, as well as government. If we can work together it could result in the most extraordinary release of talent, and stronger, more vibrant and confident country."
A special St Andrew's Day message from the First Minister has also been circulated to British Embassies and Consulates around the world.
It says:
"On St Andrew's Day 2003, we celebrate the past with pride and we look
to the future with confidence. As Scotland embarks on the second
term of its new devolved era, our economy is growing, our public
services are improving and our communities are more secure. Scotland
is growing in confidence and in pride.
"Scotland is renewing itself: shaping its future as part of the UK, in
Europe and with our partners world-wide. We invite you to come, or
to come back, to see the new Scotland for yourselves. There has never
been a better time: Scotland offers the excitement of our great
cities; the inspiration of our people; the grandeur of our scenery.
It is a place that welcomes those who come to visit, which nurtures
and repays the ambition of those who come to study, work and live. It
is a place we are proud to call home.
"On behalf of the people of Scotland, I celebrate your success, as
Scots abroad, and as friends of Scotland, and I salute you as you
join us in marking St Andrew's Day throughout the world."
Jack McConnell