SCOTTISH BALLET has dropped its sponsorship deal with oil giant BP, becoming the latest part of cultural industry to distance itself from the fossil fuel industry. 

Confirming the move today, a Scottish Ballet spokesperson said the dance company had decided not to renew the partnership on January 31 because it no longer “aligns with its green action plan: to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

It comes hot on the heels of the National Portrait Gallery’s decision to cut ties with the oil giant after 30 years. 

Climate activists had targeted the dance company over its relationship with BP, last year staging a “balletic action” during the Cop26 climate summit. 

Today they welcomed Scottish Ballet’s decision to drop the sponsor, adding that it puts further pressure on the British Museum not to renew its deal with BP. 

Climate activist Alys Mumford, a member of theatrical protest group BP or not BP Scotland, said: “For too long Scotland’s arts have been stained by oil. 

“It’s fantastic news that Scottish Ballet is the latest in a long line of institutions and festivals who recognise that they must no longer partner with fossil fuel companies who drive climate change.”

Another member of the protest group, Zoe Lafferty, said it was time for cultural institutions to stop “allowing the arts to hide decades of violence towards people and ecosystems.

“After this double victory, all eyes are now on the British Museum, which must not renew its BP sponsorship deal,” she said.

The British Museum has maintained its partnership with the oil firm despite growing opposition. Last week a letter signed by 300 archaeologists urged the institution to end its sponsorship deal.