Ian Murray thanks the hard work of people behind the scenes who make the festivals a success
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, hosted a reception as the Edinburgh Festivals get underway this week.
The event, which was hosted in Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government’s flagship building in Edinburgh, was attended by representatives from Edinburgh’s 11 Festivals. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill also attended.
There was a performance from Ryan Corbett, a classical accordionist from Glasgow.
The UK Government is supporting artists bringing work to the Fringe Festival 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 is also helping to fund a central premises for the Edinburgh Fringe Society to 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 £360m and supporting around 7000 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.”
The Edinburgh 900 programme launch took place at the City Chambers yesterday evening, where successful applicants to the civic and community funds were officially announced.
Edinburgh 900 represents almost a millennium of shared history, and the full programme will examine how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries, from commerce to conflict and from faith to finance. The programme will also celebrate Edinburgh in the present day and look ahead to our future ambitions and aspirations.
The Lord Provost congratulated recipients and expressed his appreciation to those who took the time to apply to take part in the Edinburgh 900 programme.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “We are celebrating nine centuries of history, traditions and stories and we have a real opportunity to shine a light on Edinburgh’s local communities.
“These two funds represent a great opportunity to showcase these stories to our city and the wider world.
“We had an overwhelming response in terms of applications, which shows how 900 years is resonating with so many in the city.
“We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to submit a funding request. There were so many excellent applications, that we’re disappointed that we are unable to fund each one of them.
“It is imperative that our communities play a central role in these celebrations, from discovering stories of local heritage to events programmes alongside our partners across the city, I’m really excited to see the programme come to life.”
As part of the Edinburgh 900 budget, £100,000 was allocated to a community fund and a further £100,000 to a civic fund.
The community strand will feature local events run by community groups across the city over 2024-25 promoting local heritage and initiatives, designed to engage with new local audiences and to showcase the diversity of Edinburgh.
The civic strand is an opportunity for our cultural and heritage organisations to exhibit Edinburgh and it’s illustrious past like never before.
Successful Community Fund applications:
Citadel Arts Group Leith Customs: £5,000.00
Ukraine at Margaret’s Saturday School & St Cuthbert’s Parish Church 900 Artworks
Exhibition for the 900th Anniversary: £3,000.00
The Living Memory Association Our Working City: £4,860.00
Art and Spirituality CIC “International South West Community Project”: £3,466.00
THE MELTING POT Innovation: Past and Present: £4,750.00
Passion4Fusion Black History Month Gala: £5,000.00
Abbeyhill Colony of Artists Colony of Artists 20th Anniversary Celebrations: £5,000.00
Leith walk polisbox Outside the (polis)box: £5,000.00
POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public in tracing 20 year old Rory Dowling-Clarke, who has been reported missing from Granton, Edinburgh.
Rory was last seen at 2pm on Monday 29th July, 2024 in the Granton area and is thought to have since been in Leith and the City centre.
If you have any information please contact 101 and quote police incident 2038 31/07/24.
