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 the Scottish Arts Council's Literature Strategy has enabled a process of rapid and sustained development from 2002-2007. That Strategy aimed to: (i) place literature at the heart of every community, accessible to every citizen; (ii) raise the prestige of Scotland’s literature nationally and internationally; (iii) invest in writers and writing as a means to ensure the creativity, prosperity and well-being of Scotland; (iv) position the publishing industry in Scotland to meet the changing needs of the 21st century; and (v) fashion a framework and structures to meet the continuing development of literature in Scotland.

As the period of the strategy draws to a close, the Scottish Arts Council is proud that most of its objectives have been fulfilled. Additionally, many major new initiatives have come to fruition: (i) implementation of the Writers' Factory programme and Creative Industries Action Plan; (ii) consolidation of the Literature Forum for Scotland as a national advisory body for literature; (iii) 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; (iv) growth of a national network of literature and book festivals throughout Scotland; (v) establishment of BRAW and devolving of Scottish Arts Council Children’s Book Awards to the Scottish Book Trust (SBT); (vi) increase in translation overseas of contemporary Scottish writing; and (vii) a programme of international literary residencies and exchanges, including the prestigious Muriel Spark International Fellowship. The Scottish Arts Council will build on these strengths to ensure literature’s continued dynamism and success.

The Scottish Arts Council Corporate Plan identifies priorities for 2007-2009. It will work within these priorities to maintain a vibrant and dynamic literature sector.

1 Increase the scope and quality of support for artists - the Scottish Arts Council will substantially increase support for writers’ bursaries, writing fellowships and literature development workers, by £180,000. It will double funds to strengthen professional development and augment the new Programme Publishing Fund by £35,000 to reflect a sharper focus on the creative industries. Funding uplifts to Scottish Book Trust (SBT) and the Edinburgh International Book Festival will allow fees to authors for readings and workshops to increase by 50% to £150. From 2007, the distinguished Scottish Arts Council Book Awards will undergo a significant re-structure and expansion, with the aid of commercial sponsorship, to make them the largest literary prizes in Scotland.

2 Secure the foundation of Scotland’s artistic development - the Scottish Arts Council has agreed funding at an enhanced level on a five-year cycle for six literature Foundation Organisations, whose reach and role have a national or international impact. It will use its Quality Framework to help them to develop best practice in all areas. The Foundation Organisations are: the Scottish Book Trust (SBT); the Scottish Poetry Library; the Edinburgh International Book Festival; the Gaelic Books Council - Comhairle nan Leabhraichean; the Scottish Storytelling Forum; and the Association for Scottish Literary Studies

3 Create flexibility to support the new and innovative - all but one of the 10 national literature and language organisations will receive uplifts to their funding to consolidate and enhance delivery. The Scottish Arts Council will continue its support to Publishing Scotland, which will receive a significant uplift of £32,000 to support its restructuring, and in recognition of its strategic national role in publishing and the creative industries. The two Scots language organisations, Scottish Language Dictionaries and the Scots Language Centre will receive more modest uplifts in the context of possible developments in support for languages as summarised in the Scottish Executive’s Scotland’s Culture. Moniack Mhor will receive continued support at standstill level, pending potential capital developments. Project-funding for the innovative Itchy Coo project (outreach and education) will be introduced for 2007-2009. Similarly, a new commitment to the UNESCO Edinburgh City of Literature continues our support for this major national and international initiative.

4 Create opportunities for participation in the arts - the Scottish Arts Council's increased support for artists, particularly through writing fellowships and literature development workers, will contribute to a transformational agenda in their different locales. In addition, the national burgeoning of literature festivals and audiences for live literature, with a strong geographical dimension, is reflected in enhanced funding for such events. The Scottish Arts Council will introduce a substantial two-year funding arrangement for the Scottish Review of Books and continue to support Publishing Scotland's E-commerce portal BooksfromScotland.com. It will fund an independent feasibility study into establishing a centre for the support of translation and promotion of literature.

5 Build a culture of co-operation with partners and the arts community - the Scottish Arts Council will continue to work in collaboration with the Literature Forum for Scotland to further the creative co-operation and robust consensus across the sector which has enabled a culture of expansion and innovation.

6 Make the transition to Creative Scotland - the formal process of merging the Scottish Arts Council's roles and responsibilities with those of Scottish Screen began in January 2007, with the formation of a new board, whose members were drawn from the two existing bodies. Scottish Arts Council staff look forward to working with the new board to achieve a smooth transition into Creative Scotland. Together they will continue to develop the vision for the new organisation.

The literature budget for 2007/08 was £3.01 million which included £1.3 million committed to six Foundation Organisations (see 2 above).

Details of all Scottish Arts Council funding and awards schemes, including current deadlines and applications forms, can be downloaded from the Scottish Arts Council website.