SCOTLAND’S arts quango needs an “independent root and branch review” following a series of controversies, Labour said yesterday.

In a letter to SNP Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop today, her Scottish Labour opposite number Claire Baker said the government could not “wash its hands” of the debacle.

Creative Scotland chief executive Janet Archer resigned last month over the group’s heavily criticised decision to defund 20 arts organisations in January. The row also prompted two other board members to quit — and five groups later had their funding reinstated.

A parliamentary committee then described concerns raised in the arts sector as “deeply worrying” and requiring “further scrutiny.”

Ms Baker said: “Under the SNP’s stewardship, Creative Scotland has lurched from one controversy to another, losing the confidence of the arts and culture communities at each and every step. 

“Rather than continuing to wash her hands and lay all the blame on Creative Scotland, Fiona Hyslop must now step in and confirm such a review if she and the organisation are to retain any credibility.”