Artists attack changes to licence rules

LEADING figures from Edinburgh’s cultural scene have spoken out against proposed changes to public entertainment licences legislation.

Edinburgh Makar Ron Butlin, Morvern Callar author and Edinburgh University writer-in-residence Alan Warner and Irvine Welsh collaborator Kevin Williamson are among those to criticise moves to tighten legislation which they say will harm the arts.

Artist Craig Coulthard said: “The proposed licences and changes to be applied to exhibitions, galleries and venues are potentially devastating to grassroots arts and culture in Edinburgh.

“As someone who helped create The Embassy Gallery after leaving art college, I understand the immense value that artist-run spaces provide.”