Dancers from Dance Base, National Centre for Dance joined with young musicians from The City of Edinburgh Music School and a Double Bass player from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra launched our new legacy scheme at The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh.
This scheme encourages legacy giving to arts charities, Love the arts, Leave to the arts. During February 2013 art lovers will have the opportunity to get a basic Will written, or amended, free of charge by participating law firms if they leave a legacy to a cultural charity taking part in the scheme.
More than 40 arts organisations are on board, ranging from national companies with international reputations such as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to vibrant local venues like The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. (Full list of participating companies in Notes to Editors).
Barclay Price, Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland said “The passion Scottish arts audiences show in supporting culture is impressive, but people are often not aware that most arts organisations are registered charities. Through raising the profile of arts legacy giving we want to encourage supporters to make a bequest to help ensure their cherished companies can continue to give pleasure and inspiration for the generations that follow”.
Alexander McCall Smith, Author supporting the scheme said “Everyone should have a will. That’s how you provide for family and friends. Why not use your will to help the vibrant cultural life that makes Scotland such a fine place to live. A legacy to the arts is a small gesture that makes a very big difference.”
24 law offices from across Scotland are involved in the scheme. (Full list in Notes to Editors) Austin Lafferty, President of the Law Society of Scotland, which is supporting the initiative, said “This fantastic scheme means, that for a modest legacy, a free will can be drawn up by regulated professionals, benefitting the individual, their family and Scotland’s vibrant arts community. My own firm is participating and I’m delighted to see Scottish solicitors sharing their expertise to the benefit their communities and would encourage everyone to take up this significant opportunity.”
Arts organisations across the country, of all sizes and art forms, are welcoming the initiative.
“Leaving a gift in your Will to your favourite arts charity is a very special way to show your support and appreciation of their work, ensuring many others are able to share your enjoyment for years to come. The SCO relies on the generosity of our community of supporters and receiving a legacy, no matter how large or small, makes a huge difference to the work we do.” said Roy McEwen, Chief Executive, Scottish Chamber Orchestra
“We support this new initiative because it can offer another, much needed and much appreciated, funding strand. By leaving a legacy you are providing opportunities for future generations of artists and audiences to continue to work in, and enjoy, a flourishing arts community in 21st century Scotland” Katie Stuart, Chief Executive, Dance Base, National Centre for Dance
“Recently a regular concert goer at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh, keen to acknowledge the years of pleasure experienced there, left a legacy of £10,000. Adrian Harris, Chief Executive, The Queen’s Hall said “The legacy was invaluable. At the time we needed to replace the Hall’s Boilers and increase toilet accommodation. Not glamorous stuff but crucial to the running of a busy live music venue”.