28 August 2017
August in Edinburgh is synonymous with festivals as Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Book Festival are all on during the month.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met staff, volunteers and performers at a wide range of events throughout August.
FM @NicolaSturgeon thanks @VolunteerEdi Festival City Volunteers at @AssemblyFest George Square @edfests @Edinburgh_CC pic.twitter.com/cof83xk5c5
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 10, 2017
This year marked the 70th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festivals and the First Minister spoke at a celebration event to mark the occasion.
We were delighted to welcome @ScotGovFM & festival friends to The Hub today for @scotgov celebrations of 70 years of the #FestivalCity. pic.twitter.com/SJtYIFDNHu
— edintfest (@edintfest) August 15, 2017
The Edinburgh International Festival worked with Castlebrae High School to transform their gym hall into a venue and to host performances of PROJECT R.E.B.E.L by Olivier Award winning hip-hop dance company Boy Blue Entertainment. The First Minister visited the school to meet the pupils involved and see a dress rehearsal of the show.
On the same day, the First Minister took part in a Q&A at the Edinburgh International Book Festival with celebrated Turkish author Elif Safak and publisher Heather McDaid.
First Minister @NicolaSturgeon with @Elif_Safak + @heathermmcd to discuss life under public scrutiny @edbookfest pic.twitter.com/njBXw1J2Zg
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 18, 2017
The First Minister also made the keynote speech at the Edinburgh International Television Festival where she announced a £475,000 investment to support the National Film and Television School’s plans to set up a base in Scotland and support new bursaries, in partnership with the BBC.
She said:
This is an exciting development for our screen sector which is already an area of growth for Scotland. While we have excellent university and college provision for a range of screen subjects and media skills, NFTS’ plans will complement and expand the training opportunities available in Scotland.
.@ScotGovFM announces funding at #edtvfest to open 'NFTS Scotland' @BBCScotland Pacific Quay incl bursaries https://t.co/h77jJVbfUz pic.twitter.com/RMmeYcWYQe
— NationalFilmTVSchool (@NFTSFilmTV) August 25, 2017
The First Minister returned to the Edinburgh International Book Festival – this time to discuss equality in the 21st century with Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Here's Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie with @NicolaSturgeon at #edbookfest pic.twitter.com/vAEWznVij2
— Edinburgh Book Fest (@edbookfest) August 26, 2017
The First Minister unveiled a plaque at the Usher Hall to plaque to commemorate two Jewish artists who helped found Edinburgh International Festival.
FM @NicolaSturgeon unveils plaque @theusherhall celebrating two Jewish artists that helped found @edintfest, Sir Rudolf Bing & Bruno Walter. pic.twitter.com/YudHfOJZYG
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 27, 2017
She also announced £10 million funding for the Edinburgh Festivals for the Platforms for Creative Excellence (PLaCE) programme which will support new programming and skills development opportunities across the capital’s 11 major festivals between 2018-2023.
She said:
Since the founding festivals began 70 years ago, the Edinburgh Festivals have become internationally renowned, attracting audiences from across the globe, generating more than £300 million for our economy and supporting more than 6,000 jobs.
The Scottish Government’s contribution to the PLaCE programme builds on the £19 million we’ve provided to the Edinburgh Festivals through the Expo fund since 2008. It will sustain the success of our festivals, cement their international reputation and support growth in our tourism and creative industries.”
First Minister @NicolaSturgeon with Sorcha Carey @edfests and Cllr McVey @Edinburgh_CC announcing £10m for festivals.https://t.co/6n3TWZz2QV pic.twitter.com/I6a7uch6x8
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 27, 2017
Rounding off the month’s events, the First Minister attended the Reimagination Festival in Irvine where she did a short reading from Five on a Treasure Island and then took part in a Q&A with local school children.
Lawthorn Primary at #edbookfest with @NicolaSturgeon . We can't wait to read The Famous Five! pic.twitter.com/UeRPODAHB6
— Lawthorn Primary (@Lawthorn_PS) August 28, 2017
