Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

1. Decisions on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 3, 4 and 5 in private. 2. Pre-Budget scrutiny – evidence: The Committee will take evidence as part of its scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28 from— Liam Sinclair, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive, National Theatre of Scotland; Lucy Casot, Chief Executive Officer, Museums Galleries Scotland; Joseph Peach, Director - Policy and Public Affairs, Culture Counts; and then from— Fiona Campbell, Convener, Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland. Veronique AA Lapeyre, Director, Scottish Contemporary Arts Network. Kenny McGlashan, Chief Executive, Federation of Scottish Theatre. Alasdair Nicolson, Festival Director, St Magnus International Festival. 3. Pre-Budget scrutiny – evidence review: The Committee will consider the evidence heard under agenda item 2. 4. Preparation for Conveners Group meeting: The Committee will discuss preparations for the upcoming Conveners Group meeting with the First Minister. 5. Standing legal adviser: The Committee will consider whether to seek approval for the appointment of a standing legal adviser.