Whether it plans to provide additional guidance to local authorities in order to promote good practice in taking forward the National Cultu…

Local authorities have a key role in implementing the National Cultural Strategy. Following publication of the strategy in August 2000, a Joint Working Group of the Executive and COSLA was formed to develop good practice guidance for local authorities in relevant responsibilities. I am pleased to announce that Implementation of the National Cultural Strategy: Guidance for Scottish Local Authorities has been published for consultation by the Executive today. This is being sent to all local authorities, COSLA, cultural agencies and other interested organisations. Comments are invited by 13 January 2003. Copies are also available from the Parliament's Reference Centre and from the Executive website.