Prospect celebrates the value of heritage workers in Scottish Parliament 

On Thursday 11 May, reps, industry figures and MSPs from across the political spectrum joined Prospect in the Scottish Parliament, to discuss the current crisis that workers face in the heritage sector.  

Hosted by Foysol Choudhury MSP, Scottish Labour’s deputy culture spokesperson, the drop-in event allowed Prospect members and reps to raise their personal concerns directly with MSPs and understand what can be done to secure a better deal for the sector in Scotland. 

Political guests also included Scottish Labour’s Culture spokesperson Neil Bibby MSP and the Scottish Conservatives’ deputy culture spokesperson Sharon Dowey MSP, as well as a range of others. 

The sector faces continued challenges of low pay, increased workload and a loss of skills, despite the huge economic and social value that heritage workers and their institutions bring to Scotland. Poor funding has had a detrimental effect on heritage sites, leading to closures and a lack of career development.  

It was brilliant to see so much support for heritage professionals and the wider sector from MSPs and industry figures. Prospect recognises the value of the heritage sector and our World Class Heritage, Second Class Pay campaign promotes the importance of the industry to society. For further analysis, you can read Prospect’s briefing here. 

Prospect Negotiations Officer David Avery said: 

“Prospect represents thousands of members in the heritage and culture sector in Scotland, who work day-in, day-out to protect, conserve and show case its history and culture. Despite the huge contribution it makes, the sector continues to struggle to attract the financial support it deserves from government. 

“We will continue to raise awareness of under resourcing, low pay and insecure employment in the sector and campaign for the specialist work of heritage professionals in Scotland to be properly recognised. 

“This is vital to both protecting our heritage for generations to come, and to unlocking the full economic and cultural benefits that access to heritage brings.”