SCOTTISH Labour has accused Angus Robertson of “shameless self-interest” as cultural organisations see funding cuts while the cost of ministerial advice soars.

According to the SNP Scottish government’s draft budget, the constitution, external affairs and culture secretary plans to cut funding by 0.1 per cent for the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in the coming year.

The Scottish Opera is also set to see a 0.2 per cent cut and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s budget is slashed by 4.8 per cent.

But funding for “external affairs advice and policy” is earmarked for a 31 per cent increase.

Scottish Labour’s constitution, external affairs and culture spokesman Neil Bibby accused Mr Robertson and the SNP of “prioritising their own bloated operation over Scotland’s world-class national performing companies.”

He said: “The SNP’s budget promises a raid on arts but boosts funding for government bureaucracy by a third — it is astounding.

 “These decisions reek of shameless self-interest. For years the SNP have promised to get government waste under control, but their actions tell a different story.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.