Extra cash for Scottish-based musicians at Fringe

CULTURE Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced extra cash to support Scottish-based musicians to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The annual Made in Scotland funding programme, which has backed 56 theatre and dance productions at the Fringe since 2009, is being expanded to include music acts for the first time.

Ms Hyslop said £100,000 had been earmarked to help musicians this year. The overall 2013 Made in Scotland funding will be announced later.

She made the announcement at Creative Scotland headquarters in Edinburgh, where she met members of The Blueswater, whose 2012 Fringe performances earned the Edinburgh-based band a prestigious Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe Award.

Ms Hyslop said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s biggest arts festival, attracting visitors and artists from all over the globe to experience the cultural and creative talent it has to offer.

“It makes strong economic sense to ensure Scotland’s own exceptional talent is at the centre of the Fringe and our artists are given opportunities to benefit from the global exposure the festival brings.