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.

Our vision is for Scotland to be recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for writers, publishers and the wider literature community.

Our key objectives are 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 wellbeing 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.

We will build on these strengths to ensure literature’s continued dynamism and success.  Specifically, in 2009/10 we will continue to collaborate with the Literature Forum for Scotland on its work in finalising its ambitious ten-year strategic vision for Literature in Scotland, Literature, Nation.  

Budget The Literature budget for 2009/10 is £2.96 million which includes £1.31 million committed to six Foundation Organisations. For information about our funding schemes, please visit our Funding section.