In 1956, an aspiring young writer working as a ticket assistant for an airline was given a remarkable Christmas present by her friends. It was a cheque, accompanied by a note that read: “You have one year off from your job to write whatever you please.”

Stunned, she returned to her Manhattan apartment, which had no hot water or stove, sat down at her makeshift desk (an old door balanced on apple crates) and set to work. Not only was she buoyed by her friends’ confidence in her abilities, but she also felt under an obligation to use their money well. In a manner of speaking, that cheque represented a contract. Like most writers when faced with an inflexible deadline, she stopped procrastinating and started typing.

The writer was Harper Lee, author of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. If ever there was proof of the benefit of giving an artist time and space in which to create, this is it. Those who believe anyone serious about their art can cram it into their spare time outside office hours might find this instructive.

It is to the Scottish Government’s credit that the culture secretary, Màiri McAllan, has announced it is to follow Ireland’s lead and put its faith in the country’s artists. To this end, a £30m pilot scheme is planned, offering eligible artists an annual income of around £15,000.

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Naturally, the news has been met with as many howls of dismay as delight. £30m is a considerable sum to find at a........

© Herald Scotland