Jack Gamble, Director of the Campaign for the Arts, said that while he welcomed the Scottish Culture Secretary’s commitment, the cuts would still be “hugely detrimental”.

He said: “Creative Scotland’s reserves were meant to throw a lifeline to those unsuccessful in their next funding round. This broken promise from the Scottish government means 40% of those reserves are now gone – and that will have consequences.

“The £6.6m that Creative Scotland has been forced to spend this year will not be reimbursed by the “gold-plated” commitment for next year. Ultimately, artists, organisations, the economy and the people of Scotland will all be worse off from this decision.”