The Scottish culture minister, Frank McAveety, fell victim to a reshuffle of the Scottish Executive last month. McAveety was replaced by Patricia Ferguson who was the minister for parliamentary business. The change comes in the middle of the Cultural Commission's consultation on the future of cultural provision in Scotland.
Joanne Orr, the director of the Scottish Museums Council, welcomed the new minister and said: 'Hopefully it's a positive move for museums; we would like to meet with her at the earliest possible opportunity.'
Ferguson is regarded as a 'safe pair of hands' and goes 'a long way back' with the first minister Jack McConnell, which may help to push culture up the executive's agenda. The new minister will have a wider remit than previously. As well as tourism, culture and sport, Ferguson will handle external affairs, including the promotion of Scotland abroad.
Steve Callaghan, the head of Orkney Museums Service and the MA councillor for Scotland, said that he hoped the extension of ministerial responsibilities wouldn't dilute the culture job, although he was keen that the international role of culture was acknowledged.
'We want recognition that we have a joint heritage with parts of Europe and beyond - not just Britain. To be part of international heritage initiatives requires some resources,' he added.
The minister has said she will not reverse any decisions that have already been made, which is good news for a cultural sector that has been described as having consultation fatigue after a number of recent debates about its future.
The change of minister came at the same time as the Museums and Galleries Working Group submitted its contribution to the Cultural Commission. The document outlines an aspirational programme to be achieved by 2030 and a framework for its delivery.
The recommendations include: a Scottish museums partnership based on regional centres of excellence; a significant collections scheme; a capital change fund; a project challenge fund; a Scottish museums online portal; and a strategic agency to administer funding and liaise with the Executive.
McAveety was sacked just weeks after speaking at the MA conference in Edinburgh.
Sharon Heal
Joanne Orr, the director of the Scottish Museums Council, welcomed the new minister and said: 'Hopefully it's a positive move for museums; we would like to meet with her at the earliest possible opportunity.'
Ferguson is regarded as a 'safe pair of hands' and goes 'a long way back' with the first minister Jack McConnell, which may help to push culture up the executive's agenda. The new minister will have a wider remit than previously. As well as tourism, culture and sport, Ferguson will handle external affairs, including the promotion of Scotland abroad.
Steve Callaghan, the head of Orkney Museums Service and the MA councillor for Scotland, said that he hoped the extension of ministerial responsibilities wouldn't dilute the culture job, although he was keen that the international role of culture was acknowledged.
'We want recognition that we have a joint heritage with parts of Europe and beyond - not just Britain. To be part of international heritage initiatives requires some resources,' he added.
The minister has said she will not reverse any decisions that have already been made, which is good news for a cultural sector that has been described as having consultation fatigue after a number of recent debates about its future.
The change of minister came at the same time as the Museums and Galleries Working Group submitted its contribution to the Cultural Commission. The document outlines an aspirational programme to be achieved by 2030 and a framework for its delivery.
The recommendations include: a Scottish museums partnership based on regional centres of excellence; a significant collections scheme; a capital change fund; a project challenge fund; a Scottish museums online portal; and a strategic agency to administer funding and liaise with the Executive.
McAveety was sacked just weeks after speaking at the MA conference in Edinburgh.
Sharon Heal