On Friday 22 August, the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics hosted Dreaming of a Fairer Future for Culture, an inspiring event exploring the role of creativity in building a more equal and hopeful Scotland.
Chaired by Foysol Choudhury MSP, the discussion brought together an engaging panel of voices from across Scotland’s creative sector, including Katie Goh, Matthew Hickman, Claire Dufour and Jen Collins.
Together, they reflected on how creativity can drive equity, collaboration and shared resources, reimagining artists, art workers and cultural organisations as vital partners in shaping Scotland’s future.
A moving film by Indra Wilson, commissioned by Culture Counts, shared voices and aspirations of some of the people living in North Glasgow: “I am a son, a brother and an uncle.” “I am the guitar that my mother gave me.” Everyone has a story, and artists and creative minds can help us to tell them in a meaningful way.
Artist and writer Harry Mould urges us to remember that culture “isn’t caviar, it’s salt. You sprinkle it on everything because it brings out the flavour.”
The event focused not just on creativity but also on equity, shared resources and seeing artists, art workers and organisations as viable partners and collaborators.
Building on this, the discussion turned to the importance of collective action and connectivity. Speakers highlighted the many artistic projects already thriving in village halls and community spaces across the country, and the need for better data to capture and sustain this work.
As one participant put it: “Voices need to be heard, not just individual voices, but collective voices. That is how we can rally behind these efforts and make a difference.”
Reflecting on the event, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It was a privilege to chair this conversation, and to hear how deeply culture is rooted in people’s everyday lives, whether in community halls, local projects, or the shared stories that bind us together.
“When those voices unite, they do more than celebrate creativity: they challenge inequality, demand accountability, and help shape a fairer Scotland for all.
“I am grateful to everyone who shared their perspectives, and especially to Kathryn Welch of Creative Counts, whose vision and leadership were the driving force behind this important discussion.”
The event demonstrated that Scotland’s creative community continues to be a driving force for positive change, showing that culture is not a luxury, but an essential part of building a fairer society.
Outer Spaces is revitalising communities across Scotland by turning vacant commercial properties into vibrant creative hubs.
On Saturday 23rd August, a visit facilitated by the Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) brought Foysol Choudhury MSP to the Edinburgh Art Festival Pavilion at 45 Leith Street, where he met artists from the Project Cube Studio Programme and witnessed the initiative’s impact first-hand.
Since launching in 2021, the Scottish charity Outer Spaces has been transforming unused office buildings into hubs for creativity, collaboration, and the rise of new artistic voices.
To date, it has brought more than 120 vacant properties back to life, providing free studio space for over 900 artists working across disciplines such as painting, installation, and more.
Foysol Choudhury MSP visited to Outer Spaces (EAF Hub 45 Leith Street)
Pic Neil Hanna
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The Pavilion also houses HOST, a new six-month residency co-presented by Outer Spaces and the Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF25). HOST gives early-career artists the chance to work in the heart of the city, offering a platform for visibility and growth with support that extends well beyond the festival season.
At a time when rising studio rents and limited opportunities leave many emerging artists struggling to find a place to work, Outer Spaces is breaking down barriers.
Its work supports artists to create and connect, sustains creativity as a vital part of a fair society, and accelerates Scotland’s cultural future by nurturing new voices.
Foysol Choudhury MSP visited to Outer Spaces (EAF Hub 45 Leith Street)
Pic Neil Hanna
07702 246823
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: ““It was inspiring to see so many talented young artists confidently presenting their work. Opportunities like this don’t just happen; they’re made possible because organisations like Outer Spaces and the Scottish Contemporary Art Network open doors, providing free studio space and a platform for artists to create, connect, and thrive.
“Too often, the high cost of studios and the shortage of opportunities mean that emerging artists struggle to find resources to create. That’s why initiatives like this are so important. They give artists the chance to develop their work, build confidence, be part of Scotland’s cultural sector and shape its future.
“My thanks to Outer Spaces and SCAN for the warm welcome and for the brilliant work you do to support creativity in our communities.”
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cumming is set to host a fundraising event for the Theatre on Sunday 28 September, when he spends an entertaining evening in conversation with sports pundits Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove, celebrating over 30 years of Scotland’s best loved (and self-proclaimed worst informed) football radio show, BBC Radio Scotland’s Off the Ball.
Whether you are a football fan or a Theatre lover (or both!) , join Alan as he delves into the history of this dynamic duo, and their unique style of football punditry which has brought joy each week to football fans across Scotland. The conversation will be followed by the chance for audience members to ask their own questions to Tam and Stuart.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cummingsaid: “I am a huge fan of Off the Ball even though I know and have very little interest in football.
“I guested on the show once (and can’t wait to again, hint hint), and my big brother – who is a football nut and was I think rather jealous of my proximity to Scotland’s fitba royalty – said ‘you just giggled the whole time’. And he was right. “Tam and Stuart are hilarious, irreverent, and even just the timbre of their voices and their vocabulary make me howl with laughter and I could listen to them all day.
“This fundraiser is a beautiful gesture by them to support me and my plans for my first season of work at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and a great chance for everyone who loves football and comedy to witness, in the flesh, these petty and ill-informed football titans!”
Tam Cowanadded: “I first suggested doing this fundraiser for the theatre when Alan Cumming was appointed artistic director as he’s been a great friend of Off the Ball with numerous plugs for the programme on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Me and Stuart appreciate the support (it’s not every day a James Bond baddie praises your work!) and, to reciprocate, I thought the least we could do was put on a wee freebie at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, just a few miles from where Stuart was born and bred.
“We’re really looking forward to a no-holds-barred petty & ill-informed evening of stories, jokes and memories – and we might even spill a few Off the Ball secrets for the punters who donate a few quid extra by splashing out on a VIP meet’n’greet ticket…!”
Pitlochry festival Theatre new Studio official opening.
An Evening with Off the Ball’s Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove is scheduled as the first in a series of In Conversation fundraising events to be held at the Theatre over the next year.
These events will bring in much needed funds for the Theatre, a charity, which produces work here in Pitlochry at its on-site workshop and rehearsal rooms.
The funds from the evening will go to support the Theatre’s 2026 programme, which will be Alan Cumming’s first season of programming as Artistic Director, as well as the Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Season.
Further In Conversation events will be announced in the coming months.
General tickets for the fundraising event cost £25. VIP Meet and Greet packages are also available, allowing audiences members the opportunity to enjoy nibbles and drinks whilst chatting with Tam, Stuart, and Alan.
An Evening with Off the Ball’s Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove will be on Sunday 28 September at 7pm at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Tickets are available from the box office on 01796 484626 or online at pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
To find out more about supporting Pitlochry Festival Theatre visit:
Asian Art Awards – Award Ceremony at MOXY Fountainbridge
Members of the Scottish Indian community were prominent among the winners of the 2025 Asian Art Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe. The awards have been running since 2014 and exist to bring Asian artists together at the Fringe and reward the best of them.
90 shows participated in 2025, up significantly from 55 in 2024.
The highly acclaimed “Kanpur: 1857”, written and co-performed by Edinburgh-based Niall Moorjani and which showed at the Pleasance, won the award for Outstanding Production.
Set at the time of the Kanpur uprising in India, this new play “comically satirises contemporary conflicts around gender, colonial violence, and making art in times of crisis”. The award was collected by the production’s musician, Sodhi.
Shows by Sanjay Lago (Love me Like a Chai Tea Latte [wearing the colourful shirt]) and Dance Ihayami, with their show Dansa Rickshaw, also won awards for Highly Commended performances (i.e. Runners Up). Sanjay is Scottish Indian while Dance Ihayami is “Scotland’s Indian dance company”. Like Sodhi, Sanjay is from Glasgow (“Ibrox, don’t judge me” he says).
Hahaha-Hamlet from Hong Kong, which played at the Paradise Green venue on George IV Bridge, won the award for Outstanding Show.
The award reviewers simply loved this “captivating reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale, blending original musical with dark humour [..and..] intertwining the struggles of contemporary Hongkongers with Hamlet’s timeless tale”.
Energetic, inventive and incredibly affecting with some reviewers moved to tears as the tales of Hamlet and Hong Kong coincided at the end. The whole cast were in attendance to receive the award [red and black t-shirts under their clothes] and they were delighted.
Mayuri Bhandari of the Anti “Yogi” took home the award for Outstanding Female while Jeremy Rafal won Outstanding Male for The Boy from Bantay “a heartwarming journey of growth and self-discovery”.
Mayuri was in attendance with her percussionist Neel Agrawal while Jeremy sent a video message to the audience. Both shows were hugely popular. At the Anti “Yogi” the audience were invited to “Join Mayuri Bhandari and Kali, the Goddess of Death every day as they navigate the absurdities of Western Yoga culture. Liberation, not Lululemon!”
The Outstanding Youth Performance was won by the show “Landscape of the Other Shore” from Shenzhen University which was also inspired by another European classic: Géricault’s painting and Georg Kaiser’s play The Raft of the Medusa.
The Asian Arts Special Award was shared between GENDAI TOKYO and Up-cycle Music by Creative Art of Korea. GENDAI TOKYO had a simply incredible laser show playing at WU Asia Pacific three times per night. Everyone who sees it simply loves it.
Up-cycle Music is a “response to climate change from a uniquely artistic perspective. They use waste to make music – cellos from abandoned equipment from rural areas, stringed instruments of thrown away plastic toys – and compose piano songs based on the characteristics of endangered animals, to ask vital questions about the climate crisis”.
Lyndsey Jackson from the Fringe presented the awards along with Richard Lewis and Chelsea Zhou of Asian Art Fund Scotland, the charity which runs the Asian Art Awards.
Winners – 2025 Asian Art Awards
Outstanding Show
Winner: Hahaha–Hamlet – Chai Wan Rabble (Hong Kong)
Highly Commended: 1Shoulder Pad: Galaxy Train, Japanese Musical Theatre (Japan)
Highly Commended: Practice of Zen – Theatre Ronin (Hong Kong)
Glasgow is set to honour one of its most iconic sons, Sir Billy Connolly, with a celebration this September as part of the Glasgow 850 programme.
The Big Yin Weekend, taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, will honour to the legendary Glaswegian comedian, musician, storyteller and artist through a vibrant mix of music, comedy, film and walking and cycling tours.
Sir Billy Connolly, who was awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010, has long been regarded as the voice and spirit of the city. His enduring career has brought laughter, insight and pride to generations of Glaswegians, and this celebration of his life and career reflects the deep affection the city holds for him.
The Big Yin Weekend is part of the wider Glasgow 850 programme – a year-long celebration marking the city’s 850th birthday. Led by Glasgow City Council, the programme showcases the people, culture and creativity that make Glasgow a truly unique place to live, work and visit.
Highlights of the weekend include:
The Big Yin Tune-In – A free pop-up musical performance at The Park Bar featuring Gary Innes & Friends and the premiere performance of a new song entitled ‘Big Yin’ by Scottish supergroup Mànran, to celebrate Billy Conolly’s contribution to folk music and commemorate the 60th anniversary of The Humblebums.
‘Big Yin’s Best Of ‘– A comedy showcase presented by Glasgow International Comedy Festival, featuring past winners and nominees of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.
Big Banana Feet screening – A special showing at Glasgow Film Theatre of the fly on the wall documentary following Billy Connolly on his 1975 tour of Ireland, introduced by comedian Scott Agnew.
Walking and cycling tours – Gallus Pedals Tours will host walking and cycling tours across the weekend inspired by Billy’s life and legacy, taking in key locations and mural sites across the city.
While the pop-up musical performance is free to attend, tickets for the other events are being sold at reduced prices to allow as many people as possible to attend.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr Susan Aitken, said: “Throughout our birthday year Sir Billy Connolly’s name has come up time and time again. As arguably the city’s best loved and most famous modern-day Glaswegian, we couldn’t celebrate this landmark year for the city without honouring Billy.
“Billy’s pioneering stand-up has always drawn on Glasgow’s spirit, resilience and uniquely funny bones, and then added his very own special brand of freewheeling genius to bring laughter and joy to millions. This weekend responds to the huge affection people have for the Big Yin with a living tribute to his comedy, music, storytelling and contribution to the arts – and to Glasgow.”
Gary Innes of Mànran and Hoolie in the Hydro, said: “Billy Connolly is a true representation of Glasgow – the city’s wit, warmth, spirit and love of music. This year’s Hoolie in the Hydro on 13th December is called The Big Yin and we will round off Glasgow’s birthday year with a tribute to one of the city’s most famous sons.
“As a warm-up to our own toast to Billy, it is fantastic to be part of The Big Yin Weekend and join other institutions from across the city in celebrating the Glasgow legend. Get along to the legendary Park Bar to see the first ever performance of The Big Yin, a tune that I have composed in honour of Sir Billy and raise a glass to the man himself, and Glasgow’s 850th year.”
Krista MacDonald, Festival Director, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, said, “Sir Billy Connolly is the heartbeat of Glasgow’s comedy spirit, a trailblazer whose wit, warmth and honesty put Scottish comedy on the world stage.He embodies the humour, resilience and character of this city, and continues to inspire every performer who steps onto our stages.
“At the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, his legacy is felt in every laugh, reminding us that comedy here isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of who we are. We are excited to celebrate the Big Yin and Glasgow’s 850th celebrations with a special comedy event in the new Stand Comedy Club.”
Paul Gallagher, Head of Programme at Glasgow Film, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Yin Weekend with a special screening of Murray Grigor’s Big Banana Feet at GFT, complete with an introduction from Glasgow-based comedian Scott Agnew.
“Rarely screened since its initial release, the documentary captures Billy Connolly’s comic genius, musical flair and unmistakable Glaswegian charm off-stage.
“Lovingly restored by the BFI using the only 16mm print known to exist, the film was a sell-out hit when it premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2024, and we’re sure audiences will jump at the chance to experience Connolly’s larger-than-life talent on the big screen.”
Martin Heaney, Founder of Gallus Pedals, said: “As perhaps the most loved Glaswegian there’s a Billy Connolly reference on almost every one of our tours – not because every guest has heard of him, but because he brings humour to the most ordinary parts of life and has influenced how many of us describe this place.
“It’s been a real joy discovering and exploring parts of the city that helped shape him both as a person and shaped his career and being able to share those locations on our tours.”
More information on attending the free music event or booking tickets at glasgow850.com or on each of the partners’ websites.
The four-strong cast have completed a knockout Edinburgh Festival theatre run
A group of Edinburgh Napier University acting students have claimed an industry award for an Edinburgh Festival Fringe show that packed a punch.
Starring Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack – and directed by Lecturer David Wotton from ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries – Cornermen tells the story of a young boxer and the exploitation of his success.
Following a successful run at theSpace on the Mile throughout this month, the cast have been presented with the coveted ‘Bright Spark’ award by The Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe.
Awarded every year by the Scottish Arts Club, the prize recognises Scottish actors or theatre-makers just embarking on their career, with the winner selected by a panel of expert judges.
Put on by in-house company Authentically False Productions, Cornermen stood out from the crowd of theatre acts on show across the city during August, drawing praise for its assured performance.
Responding to their award win, Daniel, Liam, Arran and Ruairi said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Bright Spark’ award at our first foray into the professional theatre world after our training at Edinburgh Napier University.
“The hard work and dedication we put into Cornermen has paid off and we couldn’t be prouder to represent Edinburgh Napier and the Scottish theatre scene in this way.
“Hopefully, this award will be a great kick start to our career. We’ll always remember this moment, this award and this training.”
Cornermen director David Wotton said: “It’s awards like this that highlight our department and the hard work we do to make sure our training actors thrive in such a competitive market.
“This award marks a year of dedication by the cast of Cornermen, Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack, and our department.
“Year upon year our course has exceptional National Student Survey results, and industry recognition like this shows that Edinburgh Napier University is a great place for an actor to train.
“Directing these four talented actors has been so very rewarding. It’s great that the industry sees and appreciates the work and dedication shown by both our talented actors and staff alike.”
Cornermen was one of many theatre productions put on by ENU students during the Edinburgh Festivals, which draw to a close this week.
It also follows previous shows such as Everything Under the Sun in being recognised by the industry.
Musical performance by Steph Legg and ensemble at St Giles’ Cathedral
TONIGHT, audiences are invited to experience the life and work of one of Scotland’s most important painters through an entirely new medium: music.
On Thursday 28 August, which marks the anniversary of John Bellany’s death, saxophonist and composer Steph Legg will perform her debut album, Bellany, in the stunning surrounds of St Giles’ Cathedral.
A deeply personal and imaginative project, Bellany transforms the painter’s bold, autobiographical vision into a rich, genre-blending soundscape.
Steph was first captivated by Bellany’s work as a child after encountering his 1995 painting The Skate and the Kate. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with his vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and deep reflections on Scottish identity, all of which find voice in this moving musical tribute.
Performed by a dynamic ensemble featuring:
Steph Legg (saxophone and voice)
Julia Hart (violin)
Cameron Smith (cello)
Erin Sawicka (piano)
The performance leads audiences through a folk inspired chasm into the centre of Bellany’s world, exploring the social and religious themes of his work and visiting key people, places and events which shaped him.
The ensemble paint their own portraits of this complex character and as the final chords fade out, the fragments of Bellany interfuse to reveal his extraordinary life.
The exhibition features over 80 works spanning Bellany’s remarkable career. The performance is accompanied by the installation of Bellany’s 1965 work Box Meeting which is on show in St. Giles’ until end of September.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Steph Legg’s Bellany is a powerful and deeply original response to the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.
“Her music captures the same emotional intensity and storytelling spirit that define Bellany’s works. We’re thrilled to see this performance complement our current exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture and offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his work in both sight and sound.
With just two weeks until one of Scotland’s most spectacular cultural celebrations, families from across the country are preparing to descend on Perth for 125 Live! – an extraordinary street party that promises world-class entertainment at pocket-friendly prices.
Taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, 125 Live! will transform Perth’s Mill Street into Scotland’s biggest family-friendly street party, celebrating 125 years of entertainment in the historic city.
With adult tickets for the evening performances capped at just £20 and a comprehensive programme of free daytime activities for all the family, the event offers exceptional value at a time when household budgets are under pressure.
In 2025, families are increasingly seeking “celebreaktions” – celebratory experiences where adults can relax while children are entertained, and 125 Live! delivers exactly this combination.
The event’s accessibility extends beyond pricing, with Perth’s unique location placing it within 90 minutes’ travel time of 90% of Scotland’s population – making it easier than ever for families to create lasting memories without the expense of overnight stays.
“We’ve deliberately kept ticket prices low with a maximum adult price of £20, plus a family ticket offer so that the event is accessible to as many people as possible,” explains Christopher Glasgow, Director of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall.
“Our Ticket Bank with Perth Citizens Advice Bureau also gives audiences the option to buy tickets for those whose financial circumstances may not otherwise allow them to attend.”
Leading the stellar evening line-up is Walt Disco, the Glasgow glam-pop sensation whose debut album earned Scottish Album of the Year nominations. Fresh from their biggest US tour yet – over 30 dates supporting Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – the six-piece band includes three Perth-raised members, making their hometown debut extra special.
The carefully curated programme showcases Scotland’s diverse musical landscape, featuring:
Valtos – Skye’s innovative trad and electronic duo making their Perth debut;
Parliamo – Perth’s own indie darlings praised by BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music;
Ross Ainslie & The Sanctuary Band – the dynamic Perthshire piper who performed at Perth Concert Hall’s opening 20 years ago;
Jack David – Scottish DJ and songwriter with over 200 million streams;
Musical theatre stars Hannah Howie & Matthew Tomlinson alongside local students.
Understanding the needs of modern families, 125 Live! offers a full day of FREE activities before the evening ticketed performances:
Drop-in workshops and activities for all ages;
Beatles for Babies* interactive shows (perfect for 0-3 year olds);
Gig On A Truck performances sponsored by St Johnstone FC;
Family-friendly performances throughout the day;
Food stalls and festival atmosphere in the heart of Perth.
*Beatles for Babies tickets £8 (1 adult + 1 baby)
Unlike traditional festivals, the 125 Live! evening event presents a unique sequential performance across four live stages stretching from Perth Concert Hall Plaza to Perth Theatre Courtyard repeated over two nights. The evening will be enhanced by:
Dramatic projections from Catalonian visual artist Alba Corral (her first UK outdoor work);
Spectacular light show by award-winning designer Will Potts (whose credits include Disclosure and Sam Smith);
Live projections bringing Mill Street’s buildings to life;
Pyrotechnic finale to cap off each evening.
With affordable travel becoming increasingly important for Scottish families, Perth’s central location makes 125 Live! uniquely accessible. Major transport links connect the city to (travel time is an average):
Glasgow (1 hour by train)
Edinburgh (1 hour 15 minutes by train)
Stirling (45 minutes by train)
Dundee (30 minutes by train)
Aberdeen (1 hour 45 minutes by train)
Inverness (2 hours 15 minutes by train)
Free parking is available at nearby locations, with clear signage directing visitors to the Mill Street venue entrance via Perth Concert Hall Plaza.
More than just entertainment, 125 Live! represents a genuine community celebration. Local groups, schools, and organisations are participating alongside international stars, creating an authentic Scottish festival atmosphere that reflects the venues’ 125-year history of bringing people together.
Hannah Howie, musical theatre headliner, said:“What a privilege to celebrate this iconic space here in the heart of Scotland with the very best of all things musical, theatrical and joyful; roll on the next 125.”
Tickets and Information
Evening Performance Tickets: From £15 (under 18s) to £20 (adults); Family ticket £40 (max two adults) Daytime Activities: Completely FREE* Doors: 18:00 for evening shows Venue: Mill Street, Perth (entering via Perth Concert Hall Plaza).
*Excluding Beatles for Babies priced at £8 for 1 adult + 1 baby.
Tickets are available now at perththeatreandconcerthall.com or by calling the Perth Theatre Box Office on 01738 621031 (10:00 – 18:00, Tuesday – Saturday).
For families requiring financial assistance, the Ticket Bank scheme provides opportunities to obtain tickets through Perth Citizens Advice Bureau.
Friends and supporters of Arkle Theatre Company have unveiled a sculpture to mark the thirty year legacy of grassroots theatre and to recognise the contribution of founders Rob Mackean and Michael Mulligan to the arts.
The sculpture was unveiled at a reception attended by alumni of the theatre company and held at this year’s Fringe Central at Grassmarket Community Project on Monday (18 August).
The sculpture has been commissioned from Edinburgh blacksmith and artist Jack Waygood, and depicts a mischievous figure of Puck sat atop a step ladder and holding the full moon.
The design was inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of The 39 Steps; two favourite plays of Arkle Theatre founders and the ensemble productions that made up the company’s final Fringe performances. The work is due to go onto public display at the new Fringe Hub when it opens on Infirmary Street in 2026.
Talking about the artwork and contribution Arkle Theatre Company has made to the arts in Edinburgh, Head of Artist Services at the Fringe Society, Chris Snow said: “Edinburgh is packed year-round with talent – professional theatre companies, students and community groups alike.
“In this year’s Fringe programme hundreds of shows are presented by Edinburgh-based teams. Rob Mackean and Michael Mulligan have led Arkle Theatre for 30 years, with the company performing more than 50 shows at the festival.
“The new Fringe Central isn’t just for August – it’s to provide support and space to our local artistic community year-round. We are proud to be a home for this sculpture, commissioned to mark the final Arkle productions and honour Rob and Michael’s legacy to the city and even the festival.”
Arkle Theatre Company was founded in 1996 by Rob Mackean and Michael Mulligan who had previously been members of Edinburgh People’s Theatre. The company’s first production was Womberang by Sue Townsend, which was performed in August 1996 at Theatre East End, St Pauls and St George’s Church Hall.
Arkle went on to stage 85 productions in close to 500 performances in the subsequent 29 years, performing at over 20 different venues across Edinburgh and Scotland, and engaging the talent of over 200 Edinburgh based actors, directors, technicians, and artists.
Reflecting on 30 years, Arkle founder Michael Mulligan said: “You only get out what you put in.
“You couldn’t pay me to act, I can’t act. So I’ve been doing the one thing I like to do, and that is to give talented people a chance to perform. It’s as simple as that.”
Rob Mackean added: “So many people just see the actors on the stage and they don’t realise the hours and hours of rehearsal and all the preparation behind the rehearsals that goes on.
“The performance is just the tip of the iceberg of what we do. It’s only when you’ve done something like this for 30 years or more that you realise people have no concept of all that stuff that goes on behind the scenes.”
The company’s final season came to a close at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it staged four productions at The Royal Scots Club; Nancy’s Philosopher, George, Don’t Do That… The Joy of Joyce Grenfell, The 39 Steps and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The sculpture by Jack Waygood (above) and gifted by friends of Arkle Theatre Company to Rob Mackean and Michael Mulligan will be placed on public display at the new Fringe Central on Infirmary Street when it opens in 2026.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced £1.8 million in grant support for arts and cultural festivals to put the spotlight on artistic talent across the country.
The funding is available to non-profit arts and cultural festivals in Scotland and is designed to help them ‘push creative boundaries’ and enhance their international reputation on the world stage.
The fund builds on the success of the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and helps deliver a key commitment in the Scottish Budget 2025-26 to expand the reach of the fund across Scotland.
Awards of up to £200,000 will be available in the first year and will be administered by Creative Scotland. The grants can be used for raising the international profile of festivals and to support other areas vital to their success, such as for sector and talent development and to open access to educational groups.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:“Scotland has a wealth of outstanding festivals up and down the country. They are at the at the heart of our culture sector and national life, bringing us together through our enjoyment of art, literature, music and other performing arts.
“By increasing investment into festivals across the country we are supporting their commissions of and collaborations on new and exciting works, increasing opportunities for participation in creative pursuits and ensuring Scotland’s cultural highlights can be enjoyed at home and abroad.
“The new fund is a direct result of discussions through the Strategic Partnership for Festivals, a focal point that brings together diverse representation from arts festivals and a broader range group of partners who support them.
“Collaboration with the sector is vital and this group will be crucial in supporting the implementation and development of this fund in the coming months.”
Chief Executive of Creative Scotland Iain Munro said:“Scotland’s festivals are a vibrant celebration of our creativity and culture, recognised and enjoyed by local communities and people from around the world.
“The expanded festivals fund is a new opportunity to profile incredible creative work in every corner of the country and support other areas vital to success – from sector and talent development to further experimentation and space to develop ambitions with specific groups and communities.
“Working with festivals nationwide, this investment will support artists, widen community engagement and further strengthen Scotland’s impressive international reputation.”
Further information and detailed guidance notes for festivals will be available through Creative Scotland.
