22 August 2018

From meeting young musicians from across Europe, to interviews with author Ali Smith, the First Minister has had a busy time in the capital this month for the Edinburgh festivals.

The First Minster kicked off her festival programme with a visit to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

Great night at the world famous @EdinburghTattoo – delighted to take as my guests a group of NHS staff, past and present, in celebration of #NHS70 pic.twitter.com/N0ksFmlcz0

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 11, 2018

Before inviting a delegation from Pen International to Bute House to present their manifesto, as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

The manifesto aims to protect free expression for women.

The First Minister said:

I’m delighted to endorse this important statement of what needs to be done to make free expression for women a reality across the world.”

An extra special pleasure for me at @pen_int @edbookfest event tonight was the chance to meet @ManBookerPrize nominated writer, Rachel Kushner. ‘The Mars Room’ is one of the most powerful novels I’ve read in recent times. I highly recommend it. pic.twitter.com/0dyUmZCiHf

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 14, 2018

Next up was the Year of Young People reception – an opportunity to thank young people involved in this year’s festivals.

FM @NicolaSturgeon hosted a reception at Bute House for young people involved in Edinburgh's festivals #YOYP2018 pic.twitter.com/rYdFlOlDqD

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 17, 2018

And then a meet and greet with the 18 young musicians competing in the 2018 Eurovision Young Musicians finals.

The First Minister congratulated young contestants taking part in the pan-European classical music competition, held in Scotland for the first time as part of the Edinburgh International Festival. 

She said:

Scotland is renowned for its world leading festivals which celebrate culture and attract visitors from around the globe, so it’s an honour for the EIF to host this fantastic showcase as part of its programme.

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to the Eurovision #YoungMusicians 2018 participants, who arrived in Edinburgh yesterday and met First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today. These talented young people will compete this weekend to play in the competition finals on 23 August #YOYP2018 pic.twitter.com/2N36FFlp4i

— edintfest (@edintfest) August 17, 2018

The First Minister then marked the 20th anniversary of Alexander McCall Smith’s No1 Ladies Detective with a reception for the author at Bute House.

FM @NicolaSturgeon with Scottish writer Alexander McCall Smith @McCallSmith, recognising his contribution to Scottish writing and marking 20 yrs since the release of ‘The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ pic.twitter.com/dla9Hq1ajt

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 17, 2018

The First Minister put author Ali Smith in the spotlight for an ‘in conversation’ piece for the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

They discussed Ali’s life and career and her latest seasons series to a sold out audience.

It was such a privilege to interview Ali Smith today – a writer at the peak of her powers who does so much to help us understand the world, its rhythms and cycles, and our place within it. Thank you for the opportunity @edbookfest https://t.co/dMtz1b7qib

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 20, 2018

And the busy festival programme concluded with a reception recognising the economic and cultural benefits of the Edinburgh festivals – they are estimated to generate £280 million in Edinburgh alone.

FM @NicolaSturgeon hosts reception to thank Edinburgh Festivals @edinburghfests for their cultural and economic benefit to the city and Scotland. #Edfest pic.twitter.com/HJDkYqCac1

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 21, 2018