Scottish Spending Review 2026

Chapter 14 Constitution, External Affairs & Culture

The Constitution, External Affairs and Culture portfolio enhances Scotland’s reputation and increases its economic success, prosperity and wellbeing through domestic and international engagement. It promotes Scotland as a place to live, visit, work, study and do business, and leads on constitutional policy and intergovernmental relations. The portfolio also manages Scotland’s network of international offices and supports the culture sector, including National Collections Bodies, Creative Scotland, including Screen Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, National Records of Scotland, Architecture and Design Scotland and the British-Irish Council.

Medium-term funding aims to strengthen the culture sector, support international commitments and advance Scotland’s global relationships. The portfolio will meet its commitment to increase culture funding by £100 million per year by 2028-29, with over £70 million added since 2023-24. Creative Scotland will receive an additional £20 million in 2026-27 for its multi-year funding programme, increasing support for funded organisations from almost £34 million in 2024-25 to £74 million in 2026-27 and in 2027-28. Investment will also continue in innovation and sustainability through the Museum Futures Programme and in community-led initiatives including Culture Collective and Creative Communities. National Performance Companies’ budgets are protected in 2026-27 with the intention of increasing them throughout the spending review period.

Internationally, the portfolio remains committed to addressing poverty and inequality overseas and supporting global citizenship. Funding for the International Development Fund and Humanitarian Emergency Fund will grow to £16 million per annum in 2026-27. Strengthening Scotland’s relationship with the EU is a strategic priority, including influencing UK-EU negotiations to promote Scotland’s interests and maximising economic and cultural benefits from cooperation.

Delivery actions support economic growth, wellbeing, opportunity and global competitiveness. Scotland’s international network of offices promotes trade, investment, climate collaboration and Scotland’s reputation. These offices create opportunities for Scottish businesses, attract inward investment and highlight Scotland’s strengths in renewable energy, technology and education. The network also works with partners such as VisitScotland to grow the visitor economy, with strong increases in international trips and spending.

Cultural delivery will expand through multi-year funding, sector innovation, heritage development and community arts. International development work will continue across health, education and equalities with partner countries, alongside humanitarian response.

The portfolio is embedding fiscal sustainability through sector-wide collaboration and organisational reform. Public bodies are developing a prioritised pipeline of shared capital investment solutions, including joint storage projects. The Art Works project in Granton will protect our national treasures and deliver operational savings, reduce carbon emissions and maximise colocation efficiencies, and individual bodies are implementing workforce, estate and operational reforms.