Scotland's government, led by First Minister John Swinney, has included the **Youth Culture Pass** in its official government program for the years 2026-2031. The initiative, first introduced as part of an electoral promise, aims to provide every young person turning 18 with a 200 £ cultural credit to be used on books, theater, concerts, and other cultural activities. While the idea has been formally adopted into policy, the exact amount of the credit and the specific goods and activities eligible for funding have not yet been finalized. The overall concept is now set, but the details of how it will work remain to be worked out. The **Booksellers Association**, which represents bookstores across the UK and Ireland, had long supported such a measure. In its 2025 report, the association recommended introducing cultural credits for young people and welcomed the inclusion of the **Youth Culture Pass** in the government's plans. However, the association noted that ongoing discussions are necessary to ensure that bookstores are effectively included in the program once it is implemented. The **Youth Culture Pass** is part of a wider cultural policy aimed at increasing annual funding for the arts and culture sector by 100 million £ by the 2028-2029 financial year, with an additional 50 million £ by the end of the current legislative period. The government's roadmap also includes exploring the introduction of a minimum income for artists and establishing a national company focused on traditional music. These plans were inspired by similar initiatives in France, Italy, and Spain. However, the French **Pass Culture** program, launched in 2021, has seen changes, including a reduction in the credit amount and shifts in how the funds are spent. For Scottish bookstores, the 200 £ cultural credit initially promised during the election campaign is now under government consideration. It is still unclear whether books will be among the main beneficiaries when the program is fully implemented. The final schedule, usage rules, and definitive list of authorized expenses remain to be decided.