By STEWART PATERSON and PHIL MILLER

POLITICIANS across parties have called for the Scottish Youth Theatre to be saved.

The decision to withdraw funding was described as “a kick in the teeth” by a Glasgow MSP

Nicola Sturgeon was asked to step in after Creative Scotland said it would not be funding the SYT.

Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, asked the First Minister: “This year is being billed as the year of young people.

“Are we really going to let Scottish Youth Theatre close?”

Ms Sturgeon said she could not interfere with funding decisions by Creative Scotland.

She said she hoped Creative Scotland could find alternative support to allow it to continue.

The comments came as actors, famous alumni and the former First Minister Alex Salmond called for it to be given funding to halt the closure.

SNP Kelvin MSP Sandra White said: “I hear what the First Minister is saying.

“However, it is a big slap in the face and kick in the teeth for the Scottish Youth Theatre that, in the year of young people, that world-renowned company will close its doors in July because Creative Scotland cannot find money for it.”

Mr Salmond, who stepped in with an emergency package of funds for the company (SYT) in 2014, said he hopes a funding boost can “save the day once again.”

The youth theatre said it is to close this summer after Creative Scotland decided to not give it a regular funding (RFO) package in its recent controversial decision making.

Fiona Hyslop, the culture secretary, is to meet with SYT on Monday and Ms Sturgeon said she would see if “there is some action that the Scottish Government could be party to that would help to secure a future for it.”

The actor John Gordon Sinclair said he thought the SYT should be “ringfenced”.

He said: “It’s a real tragedy that something like this, that is so important to these kids, is now facing closure.

“There’s things like the Royal Bank of Scotland that’s been propped up by tax payers money, why don’t they take some of that and give it to the youth theatre?”

Ms Dickie, known for roles in Red Road and Game of Thrones, said: “Creative Scotland, what a disservice you are doing to young people looking for a pathway into drama, regardless of background or location.

“And your bizarre statement removing yourself from any responsibility for this decision just doesn’t wash.”