Edinburgh Festivals: ‘One of the most remarkable demonstrations of cultural power in the world’

Landmark report evidences the profound impacts of the Edinburgh Festivals, confirming them as one of the most remarkable demonstrations of cultural power in the world

Picture by JANE BARLOW

In the latest of a long line of internationally acclaimed impact studies, the Edinburgh Festivals have published their most recent research across a series of cultural, social and economic indicators – which shows that at a fundamental level the festivals make life better – for residents, artists, visitors, and businesses.

The research identifies the Edinburgh Festivals as a unique civic asset that enhances wellbeing through creative and community engagement, an unrivalled international springboard for Scottish artists and companies, and a major attraction for those choosing to live, work, visit and invest in Edinburgh. The findings clearly indicate that the Festivals define Scotland’s cultural identity on the global stage.

Introducing the latest Impact Study on 29 June, Professor Daisy Fancourt, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health and UNESCO Chair in Arts & Global Health as well as author of Art Cure: How the Arts Can Transform Your Health and Help You Live Longer said: “The Edinburgh Festivals have long stood as one of the world’s most remarkable demonstrations of the power of arts and culture.

“Shared cultural experiences create opportunities for dialogue, build understanding and challenge ideas. They bring people together across generations, backgrounds and perspectives, helping to build trust and social cohesion. At a time when many communities are grappling with social fragmentation and unrest, cultural participation offers powerful opportunities to strengthen civic life and nurture a sense of common purpose.

“The Festivals show what is possible when culture is placed at the heart of civic life, and this report provides a powerful case for the importance ofsustaining and investing in their future for generations to come.”

The research affirms that while the individual festivals are powerful brands in their respective fields, collectively they are both a unique national asset and a global phenomenon. They are an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of the country and provide an opportunity to showcase a 21st century nation.

The headline findings in this publication show the Edinburgh Festivals as:

  • cultural adventurers, with 90% of audiences acclaiming the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery
  • civic drivers, that enhance community well-being with 79% of local audiences stating that the festivals make Edinburgh a special place to live
  • national investors, spending more than £10m annually with event production companies and creative talent based in Scotland
  • economic powerhouses, calculated to have a gross economic impact of £4.26 billion over the next five years in Scotland.

Commenting on the publication of the Impact Study, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan MSP said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are truly world class — and this research confirms their extraordinary cultural, social and economic value to Scotland.

“A projected national economic impact of £4.26 billion over the coming five years, 90% of audiences describing them as unique places of cultural discovery, and 79% of Edinburgh residents saying they make the city a special place to live — these are remarkable findings.

“As we approach the 80th anniversary of Edinburgh’s status as a festival city, the Scottish Government is proud to champion the festivals and committed to ensuring they continue to thrive for the benefit of people across Scotland and on the global stage.”

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are at the heart of what makes our city so special, bringing together residents and visitors to enjoy thousands of shows and events throughout the year.

“This research highlights that these celebrations deliver significant cultural, social, and economic benefits, supporting local communities and businesses while enhancing the city’s global reputation.

“As we approach the 80th anniversary of our festivals, we remain committed to supporting their future while balancing the needs of residents, visitors, and business, ensuring Edinburgh continues to thrive as a world-leading festival city.”

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world renowned, and a key part of what makes Scotland a must-visit destination, drawing thousands of international visitors to the country each year.

FURTHER FINDINGS INCLUDE:

The Edinburgh Festivals have seen a major expansion in their community reach

  • Alongside its global scale, the report identifies a major expansion in the Festivals’ community footprint. They offer residents of the city and substantial audiences of all ages throughout Scotland, opportunities that support creative expression, social connection and wellbeing, while breaking down barriers, enhancing community cohesion and civic pride.
  • These core principles were fundamental building blocks of the PlaCE [Partnerships for Creative Excellence] programme, a pioneering three-way partnership between Edinburgh Festivals, Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council. Almost 76,000 community participants took part across the life of the programme.
  • Over the five years spanning 2018 to 2023, the Festivals delivered a 489% increase in engagement with community groups, a 39% increase in schools participation (from 497 to 694) and a 245% increase in partnership activity.
  • This growth reflects a significant development of year-round activity and more equitable access, with programmes increasingly reaching communities less likely to have engaged with the Festivals in the past.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a civic asset as well as a global platform

  • The report reinforces the Festivals’ role within the city itself. Edinburgh residents account for around one third of all attendances, with 79% of local audiences identifying the Festivals as central to the city’s identity and sense of place, making it a special place to live. And 89.9% of audiences say that the Festivals create a welcoming environment in the city.
  • This dual role – as both a global cultural gathering and a locally rooted civic asset – is identified as a defining feature of the Edinburgh Festivals.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a key investor in Scotland’s creative economy

  • Beyond audience impact, the Festivals continue to act as a major investor in Scotland’s cultural sector, supporting artists, production companies and creative organisations across the country.
  • Annual spend with Scottish-based creative talent and production companies exceeds £10 million, helping to sustain jobs, develop skills and build international connections across the sector.

The Edinburgh Festivals provide a platform for Scotland on the world stage

  • With participants from over 80 countries and audiences from more than 100 countries, the Festivals play a central role in projecting Scotland internationally, showcasing a 21st century nation
  • The report affirms the Edinburgh Festivals as a globally significant cultural marketplace, while remaining deeply embedded within Scotland’s communities and creative industries. Both a unique national asset, part of the cultural and social fabric of the country, and a global phenomenon making up part of the appeal that will drive Scotland forward.

The Edinburgh Festivals are economic powerhouses

  • The Edinburgh Festivals delivered an estimated £558 million in net economic impact for Edinburgh and £852 million across Scotland in 2025.
  • A central finding of the research is that this economic impact is driven by the quality and innovation within the Festivals’ cultural programmes which drive attendances, with 90% of audiences acclaiming the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery
  • The report concludes that investment in programming is the primary factor that attracts global audiences and generates wider economic activity across tourism, hospitality and the creative industries. With the right investment the future impact is expected to reach £4.26 billion over the next five years.
  • The findings underline the Festivals’ position as a major national asset, operating at a scale rarely seen in global cultural events. With over 4 million attendances drawn from more than 100 countries last year, Edinburgh hosts one of the largest ticketed event programmes in the world every year, on a scale equivalent with less frequent major events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.

The full 2026 Impact Study can be downloaded HERE and any comments/questions should be sent to info@edinburghfestivalcity.com

Edinburgh_Festivals_Impact_Study_-_June_2026_originalDownload

Cultural events like these provide authentic and immersive experiences for people across Scotland and from around the world and are vital in strengthening our international profile and supporting local businesses, artists, and performers.”

Lori Anderson, Director of Festivals Edinburgh stated:

‘We are facing challenging times which call for boldness, direction, and vision – and the Edinburgh Festivals, through their pioneering collaborative work, focused strategic thinking, and hugely praised programmes, have these qualities in abundance. They have a powerful role to play in increasing the creative capacity, economic strength, and international reputation of Scotland. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the birth of our world leading festival city, now is the time to champion and invest in the Festivals’ success.’

Further findings in the Impact Study include:

The Edinburgh Festivals have seen a major expansion in their community reach

Alongside its global scale, the report identifies a major expansion in the Festivals’ community footprint. They offer residents of the city and substantial audiences of all ages throughout Scotland, opportunities that support creative expression, social connection and wellbeing, while breaking down barriers, enhancing community cohesion and civic pride.

These core principles were fundamental building blocks of the PlaCE [Partnerships for Creative Excellence] programme, a pioneering three-way partnership between Edinburgh Festivals, Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council. Almost 76,000 community participants took part across the life of the programme.

Over the five years spanning 2018 to 2023, the Festivals delivered a 489% increase in engagement with community groups, a 39% increase in schools participation (from 497 to 694) anda 245% increase in partnership activity.

This growth reflects a significant development of year-round activity and more equitable access, with programmes increasingly reaching communities less likely to have engaged with the Festivals in the past.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a civic asset as well as a global platform

The report reinforces the Festivals’ role within the city itself. Edinburgh residents account for around one third of all attendances, with 79% of local audiences identifying the Festivals as central to the city’s identity and sense of place, making it a special place to live. And 89.9% of audiences say that the Festivals create a welcoming environment in the city.

This dual role – as both a global cultural gathering and a locally rooted civic asset – is identified as a defining feature of the Edinburgh Festivals.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a key investor in Scotland’s creative economy

Beyond audience impact, the Festivals continue to act as a major investor in Scotland’s cultural sector, supporting artists, production companies and creative organisations across the country.

Annual spend with Scottish-based creative talent and production companies exceeds £10 million, helping to sustain jobs, develop skills and build international connections across the sector.

The Edinburgh Festivals provide a platform for Scotland on the world stage

With participants from over 80 countries and audiences from more than 100 countries, the Festivals play a central role in projecting Scotland internationally, showcasing a 21st century nation.

The report affirms the Edinburgh Festivals as a globally significant cultural marketplace, while remaining deeply embedded within Scotland’s communities and creative industries. Both a unique national asset, part of the cultural and social fabric of the country, and a global phenomenon making up part of the appeal that will drive Scotland forward.

The Edinburgh Festivals are economic powerhouses

The Edinburgh Festivals delivered an estimated £558 million in net economic impact for Edinburgh and £852 million across Scotland in 2025.

A central finding of the research is that this economic impact is driven by the quality and innovation within the Festivals’ cultural programmes which drive attendances. 90% of audiences acclaimed the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery.

The report concludes that investment in programming is the primary factor that attracts global audiences and generates wider economic activity across tourism, hospitality and the creative industries. With the right investment the future impact is expected to reach £4.26 billion over the next five years.

The findings underline the Festivals’ position as a major national asset, operating at a scale rarely seen in global cultural events. With over 4 million attendances drawn from more than 100 countries last year, Edinburgh hosts one of the largest ticketed event programmes in the world every year, on a scale equivalent with less frequent major events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.

Visually Impaired Secret Shoppers put Fringe accessibility to the test

Visually impaired secret shoppers are going undercover at Edinburgh Festival Fringe venues to put accessibility to the test, assessing whether training and awareness work are translating into a better experience for disabled audiences.

The volunteers, who have helped deliver accessibility training to Fringe staff and performers over the past two years, have been carrying out unannounced visits across the city to identify what’s working, highlight barriers, and help drive further improvements.

The secret shoppers, who are members of Sight Loss Councils Scotland and Sight Scotland’s Policy Group, have welcomed the progress made so far, highlighting accessibility training and stronger collaboration with venues as key drivers of change. However, they emphasise that accessibility must remain a year-round priority, with all venues continuing to build on recent improvements to ensure they are welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Over the past two years, Callum Lancashire, Engagement Manager for Sight Loss Councils Scotland, who has macular degeneration, has helped deliver accessibility training to venues at the Fringe and at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival, helping staff develop the skills and awareness needed to better support visitors with visual impairments.

He explains: “We have seen first-hand how accessibility is improving, particularly when venues are willing to listen, learn and take practical steps to make a difference.

“Over the past two years, we have worked alongside our rehabilitation colleagues at Sight Scotland to deliver accessibility training for venues across the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including the Pleasance, and it has made a big difference.

“What is really encouraging is that we don’t just deliver the training and walk away. Afterwards, our volunteers go back as secret shoppers, visit the venue, attend shows and experience the customer journey for themselves. That gives us a unique insight into whether the training is making a difference, and in many cases the impact has been huge.

“Many of the changes we’re talking about are simple to implement. Often, it’s just about raising awareness and helping people understand the small adjustments that can make a big difference. It’s about making staff aware of visual impairment, helping them understand the barriers people can face, and giving them the confidence to offer assistance when needed. Those aren’t major changes for a venue to make, but they can make a huge difference to somebody’s experience.

“Something as simple as clearly introducing yourself, offering sighted guidance, explaining the layout of a space, or proactively asking if someone needs help can completely transform a visit. It helps people feel welcome, included and able to enjoy the festival independently.

“We have now worked with venues across the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, supported organisations involved in Celtic Connections, and have a number of new partnerships in the pipeline.

“We know this approach works because we’ve seen the impact first-hand. More and more venues from across Scotland are reaching out to us to take part in our accessibility training and events, which is hugely encouraging.

“Accessibility is improving, but there is still more to be done. Every venue has a responsibility to make it a priority. A person with a visual impairment should be able to enjoy a show just as much as anyone else.”

Colette Walker, Co-Chair of Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and a guide dog user, adds: “This training is a gamechanger.

“By equipping frontline teams with the awareness, empathy and practical understanding they need, we empower venues to go far beyond basic compliance, to truly see people, anticipate barriers, and offer support that feels natural, respectful and empowering.

“For me and thousands of others with visual impairments, that means being able to walk into a festival venue with my guide dog, navigate with confidence, and enjoy every moment just like anyone else.

“It’s not just about ramps or wide doors, its clear information, thoughtful signage, straightforward ticketing, and staff who know exactly how and when to step in and use clear communication. These are often small, simple changes, yet they make a life changing difference: the freedom to choose, to attend independently, to belong.

“This builds powerfully on the findings from Sight Scotland’s Accessible Venues Report proving that when we listen, act, and design for everyone, we all win.”

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have also been working with Extant, the UK’s leading professional performing arts company of blind and visually impaired artists, to promote and celebrate visually impaired talent while advancing accessibility across the festival. 

The charities have also produced the Guide to Accessible Arts at the Edinburgh Festivals 2026 which can be found here: sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/our-campaigns/your-guide-accessible-arts-edinburgh-festivals.

Princes Street summit outlines progress and next steps

Council Leader Jane Meagher has met with business representatives, heritage organisations, community groups and Councillors to provide an update on efforts to reopen Princes Street.

The meeting also discussed the Council’s wider response to the disruption.

Cllr Meagher hosted the summit in the City Chambers on Wednesday evening, at which council officers set out in detail the complexity of making the former Debenhams building safe to allow the thoroughfare to reopen.

Initial proposals for a communications campaign to promote those businesses and communities most affected by the disruption were also presented and discussed. This will also include resident and visitor spend incentives, events and other promotions.

This activity will be paid for from the Scottish Government funding announced last week and would continue beyond the reopening of Princes Street and into next year.

Key points from the on-site progress update:

  • Five weeks on from the fire, work on site continues to progress well. The focus continues to be on making the building safe – allowing Princes Street to reopen – while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as possible.
  • This is complex and challenging work which is carried out from cranes by a team of highly skilled engineers.
  • The eastern gable of the building has been secured and made safe. This involved reducing it in height by approximately two metres and supporting it with scaffolding.
  • The front façade of the building is now being stabilised with steel beams – more than 40% of these are now in place internally and externally to support the western end of the Princes Street façade – with work ongoing on the remainder of the upper floors.
  • Several tonnes of bricks and unsafe stonework – some weighing as much as 850kg – from the upper levels of the façade have been carefully removed and carefully stored on site for reuse.
  • Debris and dangerous materials continue to be removed from inside the building – with several tonnes already removed.
  • Subject to favourable weather conditions (this restricts when this can be done safely) the hope is that work carried out will allow Princes Street to reopen by the end of August.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’ve been working tirelessly to make sure Princes Street can fully reopen and I’m reassured by the progress being made. It goes without saying that we want to do this as soon as possible – but only when it is safe to do so.

“I want to reiterate just how complicated, hazardous and challenging this work is – and it was helpful to be able to share more of this detail during, what was, a very positive and constructive meeting with local business and community representatives last night.

“I was extremely grateful to all those who attended and gave us their feedback – which I committed to taking on board, either immediately or as part of our lessons learned exercise that will follow. I also welcomed the views of Edinburgh World Heritage and the Scottish Architectural Society who spoke in praise of the steps we’re taking to preserve an important part of our city’s heritage.

“Clearly, the resulting disruption continues to have a significant effect on businesses, particularly on the north end of the tram route, and last night we outlined our plans for a communications campaign to promote Leith, the Shore and Newhaven – and everything all they have to offer for our residents and visitors.

“This is being developed very much in partnership with the businesses and communities themselves – and we hope it will encourage people to visit businesses in the area well into the future.

“What also came across strongly last night was the effect this is having on our residents who are struggling to get to work, meet commitments or make appointments. I want to put on record again my thanks for your patience and understanding and to reiterate my determination to bring this disruption to an end as soon as it is safe to do so.

“In the meantime, I want to give special thanks to Lothian Buses, particularly their drivers, for their support in keeping the city moving.”

The latest updates and information, including a Q&A and image gallery, are available on the Council’s dedicated webpages.

Join the Scran Fam!

✨ We’re looking for Academy support volunteers! ✨

Want to be part of something that makes a real difference?

We’re on the lookout for passionate volunteers who want to make a positive impact in their community and work with amazing young people.

As a Scran volunteer, you’ll be part of a welcoming, supportive family that’s committed to creating opportunities, empowering young people, and making a difference together.

Ready to become part of the Scran fam?

Email jane@scranacademy.com to find out more

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Count Binface: Face of the Establishment

ONE NIGHT ONLY AT EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

Following his success at the Clacton-on-Sea by-election, Count Binface is to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for one night only at the Pleasance King Dome on Wednesday 26th August at 16:50.

The universe’s favourite novelty politician returns with COUNT BINFACE: FACE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT, a one-hour dose of political comedy and sci-fi satire.

Galactic phenomenon Count Binface comes back down to Earth for his Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearance. Join Binface for his unique take on Britain, his special brand of sci-fi satire and, of course, his unbeatable manifesto.

Cheaper 99 Flakes? Check. The nationalisation of Adele? Check. The return of Ceefax? Check. Water bosses to take a dip in UK rivers to see how they like it? CHECK! FACE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT brings Binface’s unique dose of political comedy to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for one night only.

Count Binface is the intergalactic space warrior and novelty politician who has delighted millions with his unlikely tilts at power in the United Kingdom. 

After taking on Theresa May in the 2017 General Election, cunningly disguised as ‘Lord Buckethead’, and challenging Boris Johnson in 2019, he ran for Mayor of London in 2021, receiving a glorious 92,896 votes and soaring into ninth place.

He returned to the mayoral race in 2024, winning 24,260 votes, earning the endorsement of a national newspaper and beating Britain First. 

Following his success at the Clacton-on-Sea by-election, where he won 9455 votes, Binface now returns to the stage with COUNT BINFACE: FACE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT.

Tickets from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/count-binface-face-establishment

TOMORROW: Theatre School of Scotland Open Day at Edinburgh College Granton Campus

🎭 Discover the magic of Theatre School of Scotland Edinburgh! 🎬

We’re opening our doors and inviting you to experience everything our Edinburgh campus has to offer at our upcoming Open Day!

If your child has a passion for performing, loves to sing, dance or act, or is simply looking to grow in confidence while making lifelong friends, this is the perfect opportunity to see what we’re all about.

📅 Saturday August 15, 2026

⏰ 2:30PM – 4:30PM

📍 Edinburgh College, 350 W Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE

Open Days give you the chance to:

✨ Meet our expert teaching team

✨ Take a look around our studios

✨ Learn about our exciting performance opportunities

✨ Ask any questions you may have before signing up

At Theatre School of Scotland, we’re proud to be developing Scotland’s next generation of talent, offering high-quality training in a welcoming, supportive environment where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Whether your child is stepping into the spotlight for the first time or already has a love for performing, we’d love to welcome you to our Edinburgh community!

This is a free event, but booking in advanced is recommended!

We can’t wait to meet you! 🎭🌟

LifeCare launches new free sessions for under-5s bring youngest and oldest generations together

Families with young children are invited to join local charity LifeCare for relaxed, fun and free intergenerational activities, bringing little ones together with some of the older people who attend one of LifeCare’s day clubs.

Led by local storyteller Claire Mulholland, the sessions will be packed with stories, singing, music, and games – it’s all about giving children and older people the chance to spend time together, play, laugh and share experiences. 

Suitable for children aged 1–5, parents and carers are asked to stay for each session.

When: Every Monday 11-12 noon, from 17 August to 14 September

Where: LifeCare Hub and Café, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1JB.  The LifeCare Hub and Café is very family-friendly, with plenty of space for prams and buggies.  It’s a perfect spot for coffee or lunch before or afterwards, making it easy for families to come along and join in. 

Interested? Reserve your place by emailing sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

We will still have our free pop-up play for under 5s running in the café from 9-12, so why not do both?

We can’t wait to welcome you!

The sessions have been made possible thanks to funding from EVOC – thank you to everyone involved.

More info here:

https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/2026/08/13/intergenerationalactivities  

Record-breaking results day for Fettes College

Fettes College is celebrating as grades were published nationwide yesterday, with the school’s combined International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Level results breaking previous records.

While predominantly a day marked in the calendar of schools south of the border, the Edinburgh institution is unique in its academic pathway with students opting for either A Levels or IB, the internationally recognised education programme.

In total, 46% of all A Level grades were at A* or A and 80% of entries achieved A* to B grades. There were also 14 students who achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades and a further six students who achieved 3A*s or more.

Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways, and these latest results mark a record-breaking year for combined results: A*/7: 22%; A*-A/ 7-6: 63%; A*-B/ 7-5: 89%.

School leavers are now heading to university places across the UK, including Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, King’s College London, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews and UCL. A number have also secured places internationally, at institutions such as Georgetown University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Toronto.

Anushka Chakravarty, Deputy Head (Academic), said: “We are incredibly proud of our A Level students and the brilliant results achieved today. They have demonstrated academic curiosity, determination and high aspirations to achieve fantastic outcomes and secure competitive university places.

“Behind the statistics are also some inspiring personal journeys and individual successes, not to mention the staff who have gone above and beyond, offering around-the-clock support sessions, as well as pastoral support in our boarding Houses. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Richard Girvan, Head of Fettes College, said: “As I begin my time as Head of Fettes, these very strong results are a compelling reflection of the ambition and quality of the community I am privileged to join.

“Our leavers depart not only with impressive academic achievements, but also with the confidence, independence, breadth of experience and friendships developed through an education with a range of opportunities that is distinctive in Scotland and stands in comparison with the very best schools across the UK.

“As Old Fettesians, they will continue to draw on those experiences, relationships and opportunities long after they leave us. I congratulate them warmly and wish them every success for the future.”

56 A Level students at Fettes also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 23% of EPQ projects awarded the A* grade, 80% achieving A*/A, building further on last year’s outcomes.

Scottish Government: Supporting people to buy their first home

Delivering further support for first-time buyers

A scheme to help people on low incomes and in priority groups buy their first affordable home has opened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is available for first-time buyers and priority access groups who can’t afford the full price of a home. This includes social renters, disabled people, people aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans.

The scheme, along with the First Homes Fund, provides financial assistance to prospective homeowners and is part of the Government’s programme of action to provide affordable housing across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This Government is delivering on affordable housing and this scheme, along with our First Homes Fund, will provide a vital support for those looking to buy their first home.

“We know how hard it is to get that first foot on the property ladder – our shared equity schemes assist households who can sustain mortgage repayments but find it difficult to accumulate the necessary savings to secure a purchase. 

“I encourage everyone who is eligible and looking to buy a home to apply to these schemes. Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty across the country.”

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is open for applications. It is a shared equity scheme designed to help eligible buyers on low-to-moderate incomes purchase a home on the open market by funding a percentage of the price (usually 60% to 90%) while the government holds the remaining equity stake.

The First Homes Fund was introduced by the Scottish Government in June this year. This offers a £10,000 contribution to first-time buyers that struggle to save enough for a full deposit.