The Secretary of State for Scotland, The Rt Hon Ian Murray, held a reception this week at Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government building just off the Royal Mile.
Representatives from Edinburgh’s 11 Festivals and Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill attended, and all heard a performance from Ryan Corbett, a classical accordionist from Glasgow.
The UK Government supports artists bringing work to the Festival Fringe through its “Keep it Fringe” fund, an initiative launched in 2023. Supported by £1 million from the UK Government over two years (2024 and 2025), there are 180 recipients of £2,500 bursaries this year.
The UK Government has also pledged £7 million to fund a new permanent hub for the Edinburgh Fringe Society at South Bridge Resource Centre which will house staff and provide a venue for visitors throughout the year.
Speaking at the event, Mr Murray said: “For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh becomes the global epicentre of culture as we welcome an explosion of creative energy. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste.
“It is of course not only a cultural and social asset, but a huge contributor to our economy, generating around £360 million and supporting around 7,000 jobs each year. The creative industries are the fastest growing part of our economy and we should nourish and support this growth.
“They are all a key part of Brand Scotland, and I am determined the Edinburgh festivals form part of our plan to attract international investment to Scotland, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the festivals whose hard work helps make this success story possible.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
