THE Scottish Government is hosting a public session in Galashiels to help shape the country's new culture strategy.

The event will be held on Wednesday, September 27 at the Transport Interchange and has been set up to give locals the chance to have their say.

Successful discussions have already been held in Dundee and Inverness.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "This engagement is a crucial part of shaping a culture strategy for Scotland and we want the views and voices of many to be heard and reflected in it.

"The previous events provided many interesting and important perspectives – from the need for greater geographic equality to how to better support artistic activity at a local level.

"I encourage everyone with an interest to contribute to the strategy by going along to the public events, hosting their own culture conversations or sharing their thoughts and ideas about priorities for culture in Scotland online."

The event is free. To guarantee a space, register on Eventbrite, or call Sarah Simpson on 0131 244 0305. 

To host your own session, visit: http://beta.gov.scot/publications/culture-conversation-resource-pack