Creative Scotland, a public arts funding body, granted over £100,000 for the Rein project, produced by Glasgow-based director Leonie Rae Gasson. The project was informed during early funding discussions that it may involve a scene with “genital contact.” Despite this, Creative Scotland awarded £84,555 in January 2024 and £23,219 in August 2022 for the project’s research and development phase.

In March 2023, an advertisement recruiting participants for “non-simulated” sex scenes drew public attention, leading Creative Scotland to retract the funding. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson expressed concerns and requested a meeting with Creative Scotland to restore public confidence. Critics accused Creative Scotland of misleading the public and making a poor judgment in awarding the funds initially. The arts body is seeking reimbursement of the January grant but will not retract the earlier R&D funds.