Scots poet to lead cultural body

Edwin Morgan's work has spanned six decades

A famous poet will be the first member of a new Scottish cultural academy which aims to inspire native talent.

The organisation's founder member will be the Scots Makar - or national poet - Edwin Morgan.

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said the body would help promote artists across the country.

It is proposed that an independent panel, appointed by Scottish ministers, will initially nominate others to join Professor Morgan as members.

After the first year the academy itself will nominate new members who could include representatives from all forms of the arts.

Ms Ferguson said: "This new scheme, a cultural academy in essence, will help recognise and nurture cultural talent and promote excellence in our national cultural life.

Fitting candidate

"It will provide inspiration to aspiring and developing artists and promote Scottish identity through art and culture at home and abroad.

"I am sure the members will be a powerful and respected body and Edwin Morgan is a more than fitting candidate to be the first member."

Scotland's academy will be funded by the Scottish Arts Council with extra money given to it by the executive following the publication of its cultural policy in January last year.

The news comes as 10 Scottish artists have been given £30,000 each, at the largest cash awards for the arts in the UK.

The Creative Scotland awards honour established artists who want to try out new ideas.