Context

Literature is one of Scotland’s principal national assets, and is enjoying a scale of success and recognition, nationally and internationally, perhaps unsurpassed in its long and distinguished history. Scotland has a distinguished position in the pantheon of world literature through its poets, novelists, short story writers, philosophers, screenwriters, playwrights, storytellers, song makers, scientists, historians and biographers. It also has an unrivalled asset in its committed readers and listeners, and an enormous reservoir of public interest, which continues to increase.
 
The implementation of our Literature Strategy has enabled a process of rapid and sustained development from 2002-2007. We aimed to:

• place literature at the heart of every community, accessible to every citizen
• raise the prestige of Scotland’s literature nationally and internationally
• invest in writers and writing as a means to ensure the creativity, prosperity and well-being of Scotland
• position the publishing industry in Scotland to meet the changing needs of the 21st century
• fashion a framework and structures to meet the continuing development of literature in Scotland.

As the period of the strategy draws to a close, we are proud that most of our objectives have been fulfilled. Additionally, many major new initiatives have come to fruition:

• implementation of the Writers’ Factory programme and Creative Industries Action Plan
• consolidation of the Literature Forum for Scotland as a national advisory body for literature
• designation by Unesco of Edinburgh as the world’s first City of Literature in 2004, and the growth of the ‘Literature Quarter’ in Edinburgh’s Old Town
• growth of a national network of literature and book festivals throughout Scotland
• establishment of BRAW and devolving of Scottish Arts Council Children’s Book Awards to Scottish Book Trust
• increase in translation overseas of contemporary Scottish writing
• a programme of international literary residencies and exchanges, including the prestigious Muriel Spark International Fellowship.

We will build on these strengths to ensure literature’s continued dynamism and success.

Budget The literature budget for 2007/08 is £3.01 million which includes £1.3 million committed to six Foundation Organisations. For information our about funding schemes, please visit our Funding section. You can also read our Guide to Funds.