THE SNP has called for clarity over fears a £30 million cut to Big Lottery funding in Scotland would have a devastating impact on charities and force Holyrood ministers to reduce spending on sports and the arts.

The leader of Scottish charities' umbrella organisation, the Scvo, Martin Sime, has said the sector is concerned about proposals to cut UK Government money for the Big Lottery Fund from 40 per cent to 25 per cent.

It is expected this would leave the organisation north of the Border virtually unable to commission new work as existing commitment would take all the fund left.

Now John Nicolson, the SNP's Culture, Media and Sport spokesman, has written to the fund's director Jackie Killeen asking for clarity and for her to give details of the impact such cuts would have on charities and support groups.

The former BBC journalist said: “The motive behind the reduction of the Big Lottery Fund’s budget is to use those funds to help mitigate cuts to art and sport.

“This is a very concerning move as the Big Lottery Fund should supplement not replace government funding. Furthermore, it comes at a time when the charity sector is already strained by austerity as demands for charitable support rises and income continues to fall.

Meanwhile, a Nationalist MSP submitted a motion for debate in the Scottish Parliament, condemning any such move by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to reduce money earmarked for the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland.

SNP MSP Mark McDonald who has condemned the UK Government over the reports in his motion, pointed out that the fund supports thousands of charities and community groups in Scotland through £75 million worth of funding.

He added: "For the UK Government to even consider cutting its funding at a time when vulnerable people are needing help more than ever is reprehensible – and shows how out of touch the Tories are with Scotland’s people and communities."

“If these planned cuts come to pass, they will be devastating for the charities which so many people in Scotland are relying on in the face of the Tory austerity agenda."

On Tuesday, Mr Sime said the idea of making the cuts was 'desperate' and would put Scottish ministers in an impossible position.

The UK Government has not commented.