Aberdeen City Council has been dealt a blow after the Scottish Government refused to match the UK Government’s funding towards the art gallery refurbishment.
The city’s art gallery is currently closed for a £30million revamp, which will turn it into a modern attraction with more exhibition space.
In the autumn statement last year, the government announced it was contributing £1.5million towards the improvements at Remembrance Hall, within the adjoining Cowdray Hall.
The award is coming from a share of Libor funds, which are raising through fines levied on banks.
The boost prompted city council chiefs to ask Holyrood to make the same commitment – which has now been turned down.
However, finance convener Willie Young has vowed to ask the Scottish Government to reappraise the plea.
He said: “We’ve asked the Scottish Government to help with the art gallery.
“We got £1.5million from the UK Government, and we asked the Scottish Government if they would match fund it or offer a contribution.
“However, despite giving Edinburgh £3million for their festivals, they’ve come back to us and told us we’re getting absolutely nothing.
“It’s a sad reflection on what the Scottish Government think about Aberdeen.
“They seem to like to take our money through our business rates, but it’s a lot of take at the minute and not a lot coming back.
“They could have, had they wished, provided us with some money, but they’ve chosen not to.
“We’re going to go back to them again and ask them to reconsider.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “The Scottish Government is investing over £1billion in the north-east – a firm signal that we are committed to supporting the economy.
“Together with public sector partners, we are investing in a range of projects including infrastructure, transport, housing and culture, having just confirmed more than £1.6million for the Aberdeen Music Hall project.
“Public funding for projects similar to that of the art gallery is provided by Historic Environment Scotland and Creative Scotland.
“Neither have received recent applications from the council for this project, however Historic Environment Scotland did provide the council with advice on possible funding streams.”
