The Scottish Government’s pledge to contribute £12.5m towards the acquisition of a Titian masterpiece has provoked controversy in the Scottish arts sector.

The governing SNP party is being held to account for spending public money on the purchase of one painting, while the famous Burrell Collection in Glasgow is struggling to raise funds to fix its leaky roof.

Water seeping in through the roof is endangering a gallery of ancient Egyptian treasures, many of which are now on temporary display in the museum’s mezzanine level for their own protection.

Liz Cameron, chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, said: “While we’re delighted that millions were found to save the Titian for the nation it is ironic that, after the Scottish Office and a Conservative Scottish Secretary managed to secure 50 per cent of the cost of the Burrell Collection building in the early 1980s, we can’t secure some help for repairs to the roof.”

However, the Scottish Government has responded to the criticism, explaining: “We provide £1.235m every year to the scheme to ensure that important collections like this are identified, cared for, protected and promoted to a wider audience.

“Core funding for the Burrell Collection, as with other non-national institutions across the country, is a matter for the relevant local authority.”

Speaking ahead of the British Museum’s touring exhibition of ancient Greek artefacts at the Burrell, director Neil McGregor said: “Since devolution it seems very, very strange that collections as important as Glasgow’s are left to the sole responsibility of the city.

“The Glasgow collections are so important, but the administrative structures that support it don’t seem to reflect that.

“The state of the Burrell Collection building is a concern for everyone.”

The 16th century Titian masterpiece titled Diana And Actaeon is currently being showcased at the Bridgewater Collection, hosted by the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Minister for culture Linda Fabiani further explained the government’s decision, saying: “I am delighted to announce that this world-class collection has been saved for Scotland, underlining the prestige of our National Galleries and offering real educational and economic benefits for years to come.

“At this time of global economic downturn all funding decisions must offer real value for money and a strong return on investment. Our contribution has not only secured the Titian painting permanently for the National Galleries of Scotland, but just as importantly ensures continuing public access to a collection worth hundreds of millions of pounds for the next 21 years.

“Over 1.5 million people visited the Bridgewater Collection last year, with two thirds of those being visitors to Edinburgh. The collection is a significant tourist draw with a half day visit to the National Galleries equating to an estimated annual £27m tourist spend, with the indirect economic impact of this rising to an estimated £50m a year.”

The SNP’s contribution towards the painting comprises part of a massive £50m package being paid out by the National Gallery London (£12.5m), the National Heritage Memorial Fund (£10m), the National Galleries of Scotland (£4.6m), the Monument Trust (£2m), the Art Fund (£1m) and public donations (£7.4m).