John Archer says he is confident Scottish Screen has a long term future and welcomed a review of the screen agency’s operations. The film chief had a discussion with Arts Minister Allan Wilson in London at the launch of the film Late Night Shopping and afterwards reported that the minister was very positive about the work of the organisation.

Archer says " There is a clear cross-over in film between arts and industry and we work closely with both the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Enterprise.

"Our set-up has been used as a model for similar organisations in England and Ireland and it would be bizarre if, after our success, we were somehow seen to be under threat.

"As well as our success in film, we have worked with both SMG and the BBC in nurturing new talent in both writing and acting."

However, the former head of arts programmes at BBC Scotland is coming under mounting criticism of his leadership of Scottish Screen and he could now be facing the sack from his £71,000-a-year post. It is thought he would come under pressure to quit the job at a board meeting due to be held this week.

It is reported that some members of the management board believe the organisation has failed to achieve its goal of creating a flourishing industry to rival that of Ireland.

James Lee, former head of Goldcrest Films and board chairman, is said to be unimpressed by Mr Archer’s plans for Scottish Screen and there are reports of a breakdown of trust between them.

Mr Archer is also facing criticism for failing to secure an international film studio for Glasgow.

In May The Scotsman newspaper revealed Scottish Screen’s lottery committee had awarded a £24,000 grant to the short film Unscrew, directed by Mr Archer’s wife, Clara Glynn. He insisted their relationship had nothing to do with the award, and there is no suggestion of impropriety.

The latest blow to Mr Archer’s credibility occurred last Friday when he failed to have his long-awaited restructuring plan approved by the board during a four-hour meeting.

If the plan is rejected again this week, his position may become virtually untenable.