Creative Scotland said it was “extremely disappointed” in the decision, described as an “extraordinary betrayal”, which could put 2,000 jobs at risk.

It comes after the Campaign for the Arts organisation originally launched a protest against the funding cuts, which were outlined seven months ago.

Over 15,000 people signed the Campaign for the Arts’ petition against the plans and then deputy first minister John Swinney confirmed a U-turn from the Scottish Government.

Campaign for the Arts is now inviting members of the public to write to their MSPs and to sign and share their petition.

Jack Gamble, director of the Campaign for the Arts, said: “This ‘U-turn on a U-turn’ is an extraordinary betrayal of Scotland’s cultural sector, all those who campaigned to support it, and the Scottish Government’s own commitments to protect it. Scotland’s artists and arts organisations need backing, not broken promises.”

Arts based groups and organisations across the country have condemned the u-turn.