The Scottish Government has announced a significant allocation of £3 million to support 14 festivals, a move highlighted by Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.

This year's funding marks an increase from £1.7 million last year, representing the first increase for the Expo festivals cohort in a decade, totaling an additional £1 million for the festivals in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Among the recipients, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe will receive the largest share of £670,000, while both the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival will each receive £200,000.

Robertson emphasized that Scotland's festivals serve as a cultural showcase, significantly contributing to the economy by supporting businesses and creating jobs.

Dana MacLeod from Creative Scotland noted that the funding will enable festivals to develop innovative projects and high-quality programs for both local and international audiences.

Robertson also expressed plans to broaden the reach of the Expo fund across Scotland through strategic partnerships with festivals to enhance support.

Since its inception in 2007, the Expo Fund has been instrumental in supporting numerous commissions and attracting millions of attendees to Expo-supported events.

The funding aims to enhance the ambitions of Scottish artists and attract millions of audiences, reinforcing the importance of festivals in promoting Scottish culture internationally.

Lori Anderson, director of Festivals Edinburgh, welcomed the funding, emphasizing its importance for promoting Scottish talent on international platforms.

The funding is designed to support the commissioning of new creative projects and enhance collaborations among artists, according to MacLeod.

Culture Secretary Robertson reiterated the role of festivals in boosting local economies, jobs, and livelihoods, highlighting their cultural significance.

Overall, this funding represents a significant investment in the festival sector, aiming to foster creativity and cultural exchange in Scotland.