research – Save Our CCA, Glasgow

These documents have been gathered from public sources. The content is in the public realm.

The entry may be linked to a copy of the original document and there will usually be an excerpt or summary for each entry.

Creative Scotland

Title	Excerpts and/or Notes
RECENT ADDITIONS	10Aug26: Creative Scotland Board Meetings 19Mar26 and 28May26, Minutes. See Excerpts.

Creative Scotland Board Meeting 28May26, Minutes	Excerpt: Item 12. 350 Sauchiehall Street The Board were updated and appraised of progress since the last meeting. Steps to secure and protect the archive were discussed. They wished to reiterate the importance of keeping the building safe and secure whilst progressing the expressions of interest process on building ownership. The process would be based on the current condition. Once interest is registered, the bidders would be provided with access to the full survey. The Board were content to proceed and requested an update at the next meeting.
Creative Scotland Board Meeting 19Mar26, Minutes	Excerpt: Item 3.2 Finance and General Purposes Committee – 19 February 2026 The Chair reported that the Committee discussed the management accounts and reviewed the end of year position. There was a discussion on the Multi Year funds allocated to CCA, acknowledging this would be a Board discussion today at item 7 on the agenda. Item 7. 350 Sauchiehall Street IS & PB [Ian Stevenson Director, Finance & Paul Burns Interim Director, Arts] joined for this item An update was provided on 350 Sauchiehall Street, and the Board were also asked for their views and approach on options for the future of the building. As the liquidators were reviewing the former CCA assets, it had been requested if Creative Scotland would be interested in purchasing the items which included the archive, and elements that would be integral to running the building, as well as the alcohol licence. The Board debated Creative Scotland position and agreed that it would not purchase the moveable fixtures and fittings, nor the alcohol licence. The cultural importance of the archive was recognised and it was agreed that there should be discussions with the liquidators to secure and preserve it with the potential for it to be housed with a third party. Looking at the approach to the building, the decisions for the Board were around the options on ownership and potential future use. Discussing all the options, the Board concluded that the building should be marketed, seeking interest and potential sale. Interest should be sought through an open process and it was also agreed that there would be a need for specialist knowledge to help support and manage the process and next steps. A progress update would be brought back to the next Board meeting.
Creative Scotland Board Meeting 5Feb26, Minutes	Excerpts: Item 4. Chief Executive Report The Board was updated on the morning session of the CEEAC Committee which had focused on the Scottish Government budget outcomes, whilst also discussing the outcomes of the Independent Review, and recent events at the CCA. Some of the budget conversation had been focused on spend in local areas across Scotland. … tem 7. CCA IS [Ian StevensonDirector, Finance] and Dana Macleod [Executive Director, Arts, Communities & Inclusion] joined the discussion on this item. The paper provided an update, noting in addition what had taken place since the paper was issued. The appointment of the insolvency practitioner was still outstanding with the Courts. The building had been made secure following the announcement of the closure, whilst the lease arrangements remain with the CCA company until the insolvency practitioner is confirmed, which then would transfer to Creative Scotland being responsible. The cultural tenants were discussing their options with other venues in Glasgow and those in receipt of Multi Year funding were discussing impacts on their delivery plans with Creative Scotland. There would need to be agreement on security levels and other costs relating to the building once possession reverted to Creative Scotland and a full assessment could be made. It was agreed that provision for costs would be made available through the outstanding Multi Year provision set aside for CCA. Concern remained over the fabric of the building and risks while unoccupied and it was agreed to further explore any potential insurance options. Finally, and following the Committee appearance earlier, the request to consider support for the former CCA staff was noted and would be followed up with the Insolvency Practitioner once appointed.
Creative Scotland Board Meeting 16Dec25, Minutes	Nothing about the CCA in the Minutes.
Creative Scotland Board Meeting 20Nov25, Minutes	Excerpt: Item 8. CCA The paper brought the Board up to date on the current picture and the continued fragility of the organisation. Potential scenarios were discussed given Creative Scotland ownership of the building. The Board recognised the risks and discussed how the building would need to be considered, separate from the CCA company’s position in the event the organisation was no longer able to continue. The CCA were currently in the process of moving to the MY development stream of organisations to enable them to develop a stronger operating model. There is also the need for them to continue to engage with the other funding partners to ensure they are able to provide support. The Board discussed the approach to the building and how this needed to ensure Creative Scotland’s position was protected. 350 Sauchiehall Street is a listed building with high costs of maintenance, repair and operational costs. The Board understood the importance of ongoing revenue support to help reform the existing CCA company but noted concerns about continued public funding in an extremely fragile organisation. The Board agreed that consideration of the options for the building should be separate from the company. The Board agreed to pursue passing the building to another party either through direct negotiation or on the open market, with the intention of the building continuing as a cultural venue under new ownership, independent of the circumstances of the current operator.
Creative Scotland Board Meeting 19Sep25, Minutes	Excerpt: Item 8. CCA An update on CCA was provided, noting the challenges the organisation has been working through and plans for recovery. It was noted there is collaboration between CS and Glasgow Life on this work. The need for continued financial support was acknowledged and the Board requested close monitoring of CCA’s plans for the next 6 months in particular, to provide assurance on their recovery and to help inform decisions on support for 2026/27. The Board requested progress updates at future meetings and scoping of potential options should the current approach require to be modified.

Creative Scotland Finance and General Purposes Committee Meeting 01Oct26, Minutes	Nothing about the CCA.
Creative Scotland Finance and General Purposes Committee Meeting 19Feb26, Minutes	Excerpt: Item 4.1 January Management Accounts IS [Ian Stevenson (IS) Director, Finance] presented an overview of the January Management Accounts noting an adjustment to the Creative Scotland (CS) allocation due to a mixture of lease accounting and Waverley Gate dilapidations funding which is under negotiation. The Committee queried the situation on costs relating 350 Sauchiehall Street which has recently become CS responsibility. IS responded that a property manager had been engaged and a prioritised work plan created, however, it was too early to provide cost estimates for the work required. Estimates will be included in the Budget 2026/27 budget paper that will be presented to the Board in March with the Committee being updated at each subsequent meeting.
Creative Scotland Audit & Risk Committee Meeting 12Feb26, Minutes	Excerpt: 13.0 Risk Review 13.1 LH [Lee Haldane (LH) Head of Planning, Performance & Change] joined for this section and provided an overview of the report noting movements since the November Committee meeting. The Committee discussed the risks around the 350 Sauchiehall Street building and the mitigations that had been put in place. The financial implications of the climate change risk and the risk around CS’s response to the Review recommendations were discussed. The Committee noted the risk register and related reports.

Scottish Parliament

Entries are grouped by the initiating MSP or Committee and include relevant correspondence or supporting documents.

In date order, most recent at the top.

	Patrick Harvie, MSP (Green)
S6W-44185 Asked by: Patrick Harvie, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Green Party Date lodged: 11 March 2026	Parliamentary Question To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) Creative Scotland, (b) insolvency practitioners and (c) other relevant parties to ensure that former Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) staff receive their redundancy claims, wages and entitlements without unreasonable delay, and in line with Scotland’s Fair Work principles. Answer Answered by Angus Robertson on 24 March 2026 The insolvency of the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) is a regrettable situation for staff and for Glasgow’s cultural community. Creative Scotland has kept the Scottish Government informed throughout its engagement with the appointed liquidators, who are responsible for administering redundancy payments and staff entitlements. The Scottish Government recognises the importance of ensuring former staff receive their redundancy claims, wages and entitlements in a timely manner. Creative Scotland continues to emphasise this in its discussions with the liquidators.
S6W-44186 Asked by: Patrick Harvie, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Green Party Date lodged: 11 March 2026	Parliamentary Question To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether Creative Scotland upheld its Fair Work policy commitments in its handling of the closure of the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), particularly regarding any decision to withhold agreed payments, in light of reported concerns in relation to the charity being left with no reserves and its staff being made redundant with no consultation, dignity or protection. Answer Answered by Angus Robertson on 24 March 2026 Creative Scotland embeds Fair Work as a strategic priority, and Fair Work principles informed its engagement with the CCA as the organisation faced sustained financial challenges. After detailed consideration, Creative Scotland assessed that further public funding would not resolve the underlying issues and therefore would not represent responsible or effective use of public money. The Scottish Government recognises the significant impact of the CCA’s insolvency on staff. We continue to receive updates on engagement with the liquidators and share Creative Scotland’s aim of securing the future of the venue as an important cultural asset.
S6W-44187 Asked by: Patrick Harvie, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Green Party Date lodged: 11 March 2026	Parliamentary Question To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the expertise and experience of former Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) staff are not lost to Scotland’s cultural sector as a result of the centre’s closure. Answer Answered by Angus Robertson on 24 March 2026 The Scottish Government continues to engage with Creative Scotland, as owner of the CCA building, on next steps and shares its aim of securing a new operator so the centre can reopen as soon as possible. Creative Scotland is in contact with partners in Glasgow as part of its wider work on next steps for the building and the organisation’s future.

In date order, most recent at the top.

	Màiri McAllan, MSP (SNP) Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic
Letter to SOCCA: 19Aug26 Màiri McAllan, MSP Original PDF	SaveOurCCA saveourcca2026@gmail.com Our Reference: 202600530934 Your Reference: Letter regarding the closure of the CCA 19 August 2026 Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your email of 03 August regarding the former Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) building and archive. Firstly, as I have said to others in recent days, I recognise the strength of feeling about the future of 350 Sauchiehall Street and appreciate your interest in the future of this important cultural asset. I share that interest fulsomely. Likewise, I appreciate the concerns you have raised regarding recent statements about the future of the former CCA/Third Eye archive. On the future of 350 Sauchiehall Street, I want to be clear that the Scottish Government is committed to seeing the building return as soon as possible to its rightful place as a vibrant cultural hub in the city. It is currently empty and, put simply, I want to see it once again open and contributing to the Glasgow and West of Scotland art and culture scene. To achieve that, interest must be sought in using the building. Therefore, to secure future use, Creative Scotland, which owns the building, are seeking expressions of interest for a future occupant. I am pleased that the expressions of interest process has now concluded, bringing us closer to securing a sustainable future for this important cultural venue. I am assured by Creative Scotland that the ongoing cultural value of the building is the key consideration in its decision making. I have made clear my expectation that the building is returned as quickly as possible to serving artists, audiences and communities in Glasgow and I am in ongoing dialogue with Creative Scotland on this. Indeed, my officials and I are in daily contact with Creative Scotland on account of the seriousness with which I treat this matter. Likewise, in relation to the former CCA/Third Eye archive, I have been clear that this should remain in public ownership, with its long-term preservation and accessibility safeguarded for the benefit of all. I therefore welcome the collaborative bid led by Glasgow Life with the support of Creative Scotland and other public sector bodies to secure the archive for the nation. This partnership demonstrates the shared commitment to protecting this important collection and ensuring it remains accessible for future generations. These are my expectations which I will continue to communicate clearly as matters progress and the Scottish Government closely monitors this situation. Yours sincerely, MÀIRI MCALLAN
Letter to Màiri McAllan, MSP from SOCCA: 11Sep26 Original PDF	Save Our CCA Via email: saveourcca2026@gmail.com Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan MSP scottish.ministers@gov.scot Mairi.McAllan.msp@parliament.scot 15 September 2026 Dear Cabinet Secretary Mairi McAllan MSP Thank you for your letter of 19 August 2026 (ref 202600530934). We are replying now with some fresh insight into the conduct of Creative Scotland following the liquidation of the Centre for Contemporary Arts in January 2026. We have seen internal Creative Scotland documents made available via a Freedom of Information request. They reveal the Creative Scotland board have made it harder and more expensive to reopen 350 Sauchiehall Street as a cultural venue with decisions that have gone against recommendations from Creative Scotland staff. The Building and Integral Cultural Fixtures At the first board meeting after the liquidation of the CCA Creative Scotland staff presented several options to the board for the building including an ‘Open sale process for a building owner and cultural operator’ (ref Item 3.3 CS Paper: 19 March 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Options). The board decided that ‘the building should be sold as quickly as possible’ (ref Item 3.1 CS Paper: 28 May 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street – Update) despite having been warned that any process either to buy or operate the building as a cultural venue would be ‘a prolonged process’. (ref Item 3.3 CS Paper: 19 March 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Options). Members of CS board instructed staff to remove the preference for the building to remain in cultural use from the primary marketing brochure. Staff had to take the issue into the next board meeting and warned about the significant reputational risk to Creative Scotland if the building was not reopened as a cultural space. (ref Item 3.3 CS Paper: 16 July 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Update). A single sentence about cultural use was included in the marketing pack. In March 2026 staff recommended that Creative Scotland buy fixtures and fittings from the building ‘specific to the building’s function as an arts centre…for example, theatre seating, lighting etc’ on the basis that they ‘will be required by any operator wishing to use the building in a similar manner’ (ref Item 4.1 CS Paper: 19 March 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Options). The board refused to keep equipment integral to the building being used as an arts venue (ref Board Minutes 19Mar26), making future cultural use of the venue more difficult and expensive. £100,000s worth of arts equipment bought with public funds was sold at knockdown prices to private bidders at auction. Declining the recommendation has resulted in any future cultural operator having the burden of replacing basic equipment, for example audience seating, PA systems, projectors for the cinema. The Archive We welcome the news of the secured future for the Third Eye/CCA archive. The history of the handling of the archive by the Creative Scotland board is worth examination. The board refused the recommendation to immediately buy the CCA and Third Eye Archive in March 2026 (ref Board Minutes 19Mar26). The liquidators continued to market the archive for sale, particularly with substantial advertorial articles in the Herald newspaper in print and online, causing confusion and anger. The liquidator fixed a higher price than was expected (ref Item 2.4 CS Paper: 16 July 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Update). These documents have given further evidence for the arts community to lose faith in the board of Creative Scotland during this process. They document significant divergence between board decisions and staff expertise. We have noted that all the expressions of interest have been made by parties intending to use 350 Sauchiehall Street for cultural purposes. We believe the building should return to use as a hub for creation and presentation of the multi-arts it was designed for, and to remain an accessible centre for local and arts communities. The stakeholders and communities have not been consulted. We ask you to particularly note that the recommendations made to the board included description of finding a suitable cultural operator as a ‘prolonged process’ that will ‘take time’. We respectfully ask you to use your influence to ensure: • the continuing process includes the support needed to find a new arts operator for the building, including the forging of new collaborations and working relationships, • urgent action is taken to keep the specialist and vital equipment in the venue that is still on sale, • vital independent cultural and community representation is built into the remaining process, assessment of options and final decision-making to ensure the trust of the stakeholders needed for a sustainable model, and • time and support are given to develop knowledge of the community needs from the venue and for development of communication across the sector. Thank you for your interest and support during this complex issue. Yours sincerely on behalf of the Save Our CCA campaign

Màiri McAllan, MSP (SNP) Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic

Letter to SOCCA: 19Aug26
Màiri McAllan, MSP

Original PDF

SaveOurCCA
saveourcca2026@gmail.com
Our Reference: 202600530934
Your Reference: Letter regarding the closure of the CCA
19 August 2026
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your email of 03 August regarding the former Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) building and archive.
Firstly, as I have said to others in recent days, I recognise the strength of feeling about the future of 350 Sauchiehall Street and appreciate your interest in the future of this important cultural asset. I share that interest fulsomely. Likewise, I appreciate the concerns you have raised regarding recent statements about the future of the former CCA/Third Eye archive.
On the future of 350 Sauchiehall Street, I want to be clear that the Scottish Government is committed to seeing the building return as soon as possible to its rightful place as a vibrant cultural hub in the city. It is currently empty and, put simply, I want to see it once again open and contributing to the Glasgow and West of Scotland art and culture scene. To achieve that, interest must be sought in using the building.
Therefore, to secure future use, Creative Scotland, which owns the building, are seeking expressions of interest for a future occupant. I am pleased that the expressions of interest process has now concluded, bringing us closer to securing a sustainable future for this important cultural venue. I am assured by Creative Scotland that the ongoing cultural value of the building is the key consideration in
its decision making. I have made clear my expectation that the building is returned as quickly as possible to serving artists, audiences and communities in Glasgow and I am in ongoing dialogue with Creative Scotland on this. Indeed, my officials and I are in daily contact with Creative Scotland on account of the seriousness with which I treat this matter.
Likewise, in relation to the former CCA/Third Eye archive, I have been clear that this should remain in public ownership, with its long-term preservation and accessibility safeguarded for the benefit of all.
I therefore welcome the collaborative bid led by Glasgow Life with the support of Creative Scotland and other public sector bodies to secure the archive for the nation. This partnership demonstrates the shared commitment to protecting this important collection and ensuring it remains accessible for future generations.
These are my expectations which I will continue to communicate clearly as matters progress and the Scottish Government closely monitors this situation.
Yours sincerely,
MÀIRI MCALLAN

Letter to
Màiri McAllan, MSP
from
SOCCA: 11Sep26

Original PDF

Save Our CCA
Via email:
saveourcca2026@gmail.com
Scottish Government
Cabinet Secretary for
Education, Culture and Gaelic
Màiri McAllan MSP
scottish.ministers@gov.scot
Mairi.McAllan.msp@parliament.scot
15 September 2026

Dear Cabinet Secretary Mairi McAllan MSP
Thank you for your letter of 19 August 2026 (ref 202600530934).
We are replying now with some fresh insight into the conduct of Creative Scotland following the liquidation of the Centre for Contemporary Arts in January 2026.
We have seen internal Creative Scotland documents made available via a Freedom of Information request. They reveal the Creative Scotland board have made it harder and more expensive to reopen 350 Sauchiehall Street as a cultural venue with decisions that have gone against recommendations from Creative Scotland staff.

The Building and Integral Cultural Fixtures
At the first board meeting after the liquidation of the CCA Creative Scotland staff presented several options to the board for the building including an ‘Open sale process for a building owner and cultural operator’ (ref Item 3.3 CS Paper: 19 March 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Options).
The board decided that ‘the building should be sold as quickly as possible’ (ref Item 3.1 CS Paper: 28 May 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street – Update) despite having been warned that any process either to buy or operate the building as a cultural venue would be ‘a prolonged process’. (ref Item 3.3 CS Paper: 19 March 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Options).
Members of CS board instructed staff to remove the preference for the building to remain in cultural use from the primary marketing brochure. Staff had to take the issue into the next board meeting and warned about the significant reputational risk to Creative Scotland if the building was not reopened as a cultural space. (ref Item 3.3 CS Paper: 16 July 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Update). A single sentence about cultural use was included in the marketing pack.
In March 2026 staff recommended that Creative Scotland buy fixtures and fittings from the building ‘specific to the building’s function as an arts centre…for example, theatre seating, lighting etc’ on the basis that they ‘will be required by any operator wishing to use the building in a similar manner’ (ref Item 4.1 CS Paper: 19 March 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Options).
The board refused to keep equipment integral to the building being used as an arts venue (ref Board Minutes 19Mar26), making future cultural use of the venue more difficult and expensive. £100,000s worth of arts equipment bought with public funds was sold at knockdown prices to private bidders at auction.
Declining the recommendation has resulted in any future cultural operator having the burden of replacing basic equipment, for example audience seating, PA systems, projectors for the cinema.

The Archive
We welcome the news of the secured future for the Third Eye/CCA archive. The history of the handling of the archive by the Creative Scotland board is worth examination.
The board refused the recommendation to immediately buy the CCA and Third Eye Archive in March 2026 (ref Board Minutes 19Mar26). The liquidators continued to market the archive for sale, particularly with substantial advertorial articles in the Herald newspaper in print and online, causing confusion and anger. The liquidator fixed a higher price than was expected (ref Item 2.4 CS Paper: 16 July 2026: 350 Sauchiehall Street Update).

These documents have given further evidence for the arts community to lose faith in the board of Creative Scotland during this process. They document significant divergence between board decisions and staff expertise.
We have noted that all the expressions of interest have been made by parties intending to use 350 Sauchiehall Street for cultural purposes.
We believe the building should return to use as a hub for creation and presentation of the multi-arts it was designed for, and to remain an accessible centre for local and arts communities.
The stakeholders and communities have not been consulted.
We ask you to particularly note that the recommendations made to the board included description of finding a suitable cultural operator as a ‘prolonged process’ that will ‘take time’.

We respectfully ask you to use your influence to ensure:
• the continuing process includes the support needed to find a new arts operator for the building, including the forging of new collaborations and working relationships,
• urgent action is taken to keep the specialist and vital equipment in the venue that is still on sale,
• vital independent cultural and community representation is built into the remaining process, assessment of options and final decision-making to ensure the trust of the stakeholders needed for a sustainable model, and
• time and support are given to develop knowledge of the community needs from the venue and for development of communication across the sector.

Thank you for your interest and support during this complex issue.
Yours sincerely
on behalf of the Save Our CCA campaign

In date order, most recent at the top.

	Pauline McNeill, MSP (Lab)
Submitted by: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 Motion type: Standard Motion Motion reference: S7M-00651	Standard Motion Scottish Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame in Glasgow That the Parliament welcomes proposals to establish a Scottish Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame in Glasgow through the redevelopment of the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA); notes the strong support for the project from leading figures in Scotland’s music industry, including Midge Ure, Dougie Payne, Lulu, Billy Sloan and Ronnie Gurr; recognises Scotland’s outstanding contribution to music and its reputation for producing artists and performers whose influence far exceeds the country’s size; further recognises Glasgow’s international standing as a UNESCO City of Music and home to iconic live music venues such as King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the Barrowland Ballroom and the Sub Club; believes that a national music hall of fame would be an important cultural asset for both Glasgow and Scotland, celebrating the nation’s rich musical heritage, supporting cultural tourism and inspiring future generations of musicians, and calls on Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government to support Scotland’s grassroots music venues, wider music industry and the establishment of a Scottish Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame in Glasgow. Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Neil Bibby, Dawn Black, Miles Briggs, Finlay Carson, Maggie Chapman, Martyn Day, Joe Fagan, Patricia Gibson, David Green, Thomas Kerr, Liam McArthur, Cara McKee, Paul Sweeney [Others may have been added.]
S7W-02081 Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour Date lodged: 27 July 2026	Parliamentary Question To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Creative Scotland regarding the sale of the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) building on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Answer Answered by Mairi McAllan on 19Aug26: I am in regular contact with Creative Scotland on this matter and have been crystal clear that the former Centre for Contemporary Arts building should re-open as an important asset for Glasgow and Scotland’s culture and creative sector as soon as possible. I am assured by Creative Scotland that the ongoing cultural value of the building is the key consideration in its process of seeking expressions of interest to see the empty building back open and operating.
S7W-02082 Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour Date lodged: 27 July 2026	Parliamentary Question To ask the Scottish Government whether it has agreed to the sale of the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) building on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Answer Answered by Mairi McAllan on 19Aug26: The Scottish Government has not agreed to the sale of the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) building on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. An Expression of Interest process has been undertaken by Creative Scotland.
S7W-02083 Asked by: Pauline McNeill, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour Date lodged: 27 July 2026	Parliamentary Question To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) building on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, should be retained as a cultural asset, and what steps it is taking to ensure this. Answer Answered by Mairi McAllan on 19Aug26: My clear preference, communicated to Creative Scotland, is for the former Centre for Contemporary Arts building to re-open as an important asset for Glasgow and Scotland’s culture and creative sector, and that as soon as possible. Creative Scotland’s call for expressions of interest in operating the building closed on 12 August, with priority consideration being given to those which best align with the aim of ensuring the building continues to operate as a key asset in Scotland’s culture sector. I am assured by Creative Scotland that the ongoing cultural value of the building is the key consideration in its consideration and I continue to closely monitor the situation.
Letter to constituent: 6Aug26 Pauline McNeill, MSP	Thank you for writing to me and for sharing your concern regarding the future of the Centre for Contemporary Arts building on 350 Sauchiehall Street. I am deeply concerned about the potential lease or sale of the building and have written to both Creative Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic for assurance the building will remain a cultural asset. My colleague Paul Sweeney MSP has also sent a letter to Cabinet Secretary Mairi McAllan objecting to the proposed sale of the building and urging the Cabinet Secretary to work with Creative Scotland and Glasgow City Council to find a means of retaining the CCA as a public asset. It is my understanding that Creative Scotland have invited expressions of interest for ownership or lease of the building and have stated a preference of it to remain a cultural asset. However, I have raised my concern that a preference does not amount to a commitment and that stronger steps should be taken to secure the CCA’s long-term future given its significance to Glasgow and Scotland’s cultural landscape. At this stage, I am aware of one serious proposal from charity ScotsRock who have sought discussions with Creative Scotland on the ways the CCA could secure its long-term future whilst also remaining in use for the arts and culture. Importantly, ScotsRock wish to retain the building as a public asset, not a private concern. I have spoken to ScotsRock about working alongside the arts and cultural sector, and with those who currently occupy the building. My colleague Paul Sweeney and I are in the process of organising a roundtable discussion between all concerned parties which we aim to confirm as soon as possible. I have also tabled a motion to the Scottish Parliament regarding ScotsRock’s proposal which can be found here; https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S7M-00651 I will continue to call for the retainment of the CCA as a public asset and urge both Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government to work together to ensure this significant venue remains a cultural venue. Yours sincerely, Pauline McNeill MSP Glasgow Region [This letter was replied to by SOCCA on 7Aug26 and a meeting has been organised for 18Aug26.]
Meeting 18Aug26 with MS and TN of SOCCA and AH. (online)	The meeting with Pauline McNeill was constructive and she frank about not previously having the full information. She has agreed to support the general goals of SOCCA and to share all available information.

In date order, most recent at the top.

	Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee
Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meeting of 5Feb26, part transcript	Excerpts: Iain Munro, Creative Scotland: “It is fair to say that we have had a lot of interest in ideas around the building and its reopening, and we will need to engage with that at the appropriate time. We will not be able to rush into anything, because it is really important that we get something in place that has solid foundations and that we can be confident is in a position to reopen for the long term. You are absolutely right—we are a key partner in enabling that to happen. We will not be running the building ourselves, but we will be exploring the procurement of the right organisation with the right governance and business plans to enable that to move forward.” … Patrick Harvie MSP: “As I understand it, you have, in effect, provided the building to the organisation at a peppercorn rent, as well as providing funding. Would that still be part of the offer that would be available to a successor organisation?” Iain Munro: “It is an option. This is a blank sheet of paper. There are lots of roots and tentacles into the past that we can draw on, but it is an option. I cannot yet say with confidence exactly what will happen, but you have our commitment that we are seeking a route through this to achieve the reopening as soon as possible.”
Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meeting of 5Feb26, Committee Report	Excerpt of the Committee report of the meeting: The Centre for Contemporary Arts The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow is a not-for-profit, multi-purpose, centre for contemporary art and culture located in the city centre of Glasgow. It has been funded through the MYF programme and was due to receive around £1.3m in 2026-27 (see above table). The funding in the current financial year is around £0.8m. Over the past weekend, there are reports that the CCA is to permanently close with immediate effect due to serious concerns over its finances. It has been reported that all staff at the venue have been made redundant. In a statement from the CCA it was announced that: “Over the past eighteen months, CCA has undertaken a structured recovery process to address significant financial challenges. Despite the efforts of staff, partners, and the broader community, the organisation was unable to achieve a sustainable financial position.” Creative Scotland also made a statement in reaction to the announcement. They explained that: “As CCA is unable to demonstrate its ongoing viability and therefore cannot deliver the activity set out in its Multi-Year Funding agreement, Creative Scotland is not able to make further payments. This is in line with our responsibilities as a distributor of public funds… “As owners of the building at 350 Sauchiehall Street, Creative Scotland will explore future options, alongside other partners, with the shared aim of the centre re-opening as a cultural resource as soon as is realistically possible.” The statement also explained that Creative Scotland had previously provided funds for a business consultant to “work with the organisation on reviewing the operating model and proposing solutions for future-proofing areas which had become fragile.” It is not clear at this stage what Creative Scotland plans to do with the £1.3m allocated to the CCA for 2026-27.

Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meeting of 5Feb26, part transcript

Excerpts:
Iain Munro, Creative Scotland:
“It is fair to say that we have had a lot of interest in ideas around the building and its reopening, and we will need to engage with that at the appropriate time. We will not be able to rush into anything, because it is really important that we get something in place that has solid foundations and that we can be confident is in a position to reopen for the long term.
You are absolutely right—we are a key partner in enabling that to happen. We will not be running the building ourselves, but we will be exploring the procurement of the right organisation with the right governance and business plans to enable that to move forward.”
…
Patrick Harvie MSP:
“As I understand it, you have, in effect, provided the building to the organisation at a peppercorn rent, as well as providing funding. Would that still be part of the offer that would be available to a successor organisation?”
Iain Munro:
“It is an option. This is a blank sheet of paper. There are lots of roots and tentacles into the past that we can draw on, but it is an option. I cannot yet say with confidence exactly what will happen, but you have our commitment that we are seeking a route through this to achieve the reopening as soon as possible.”

Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meeting of 5Feb26, Committee Report

Excerpt of the Committee report of the meeting:

The Centre for Contemporary Arts
The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow is a not-for-profit, multi-purpose, centre for contemporary art and culture located in the city centre of Glasgow. It has been funded through the MYF programme and was due to receive around £1.3m in 2026-27 (see above table). The funding in the current financial year is around £0.8m.
Over the past weekend, there are reports that the CCA is to permanently close with immediate effect due to serious concerns over its finances. It has been reported that all staff at the venue have been made redundant.
In a statement from the CCA it was announced that:
“Over the past eighteen months, CCA has undertaken a structured recovery process to address significant financial challenges. Despite the efforts of staff, partners, and the broader community, the organisation was unable to achieve a sustainable financial position.”
Creative Scotland also made a statement in reaction to the announcement. They
explained that:
“As CCA is unable to demonstrate its ongoing viability and therefore cannot deliver the activity set out in its Multi-Year Funding agreement, Creative Scotland is not able to make further payments. This is in line with our responsibilities as a distributor of public funds…
“As owners of the building at 350 Sauchiehall Street, Creative Scotland will explore future options, alongside other partners, with the shared aim of the centre re-opening as a cultural resource as soon as is realistically possible.”
The statement also explained that Creative Scotland had previously provided funds for a business consultant to “work with the organisation on reviewing the operating model and proposing solutions for future-proofing areas which had become fragile.”
It is not clear at this stage what Creative Scotland plans to do with the £1.3m allocated to the CCA for 2026-27.

Contents:

Creative Scotland

Scottish Parliament