Disappointment at culture defeat

Ministers said the Creative Scotland plans would still go ahead

Scotland's main arts quangos have expressed disappointment at failed plans to set up a new industry body.

Legislation to merge the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen into Creative Scotland was thrown out of Holyrood on Wednesday.

MSPs refused to back the Creative Scotland Bill's financial arrangements and it will be six months before it can be brought back to parliament.

The Scottish Government said it was committed to making the move happen.

MSPs backed the general principles of the legislation - but rejected its financial memorandum by 68 votes to 49, meaning the bill fell at its first parliamentary hurdle.

'Naturally disappointed'

Labour accused Culture Minister Linda Fabiani of trying to pull the wool over MSPs' eyes over part of the legislation, but the government hit back, accusing the party of reckless behaviour.

A spokeswoman for the Creative Scotland transition project, set up by the joint board of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, said it was "naturally disappointed" at the rejection of the bill.

"However, we value the significant level of goodwill for an organisation that will allow Scotland to compete and create on a global level," added the spokeswoman.

"We recognise the Scottish Government remains fully committed to the establishment of Creative Scotland and we will continue to work closely with them to realise the clear ambition expressed by parliament."