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Edinburgh\u2019s festivals are sending a clear message that Scotland is an open and welcoming country, the Deputy First Minister said.<\/p>\n
Jenny Gilruth, who is also Scotland\u2019s Finance Secretary, said the city\u2019s festivals will provide the country\u2019s talent with a \u201cglobal platform\u201d to showcase their work.<\/p>\n
She will attend the opening concert of the Edinburgh International Festival on Saturday night alongside public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad.<\/p>\n
Ms Gilruth said: \u201cEdinburgh\u2019s festivals provide a global platform for Scotland and for all the talented performers who take part.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey also bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the capital throughout August with all the economic benefits that brings.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are invaluable for Scottish artists and performers to develop and support their ambition and creativity, providing opportunities to showcase their work nationally and internationally.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese festivals also send out a clear message that Scotland is an open and welcoming country, reinforcing how the culture and arts sector occupy such an important place at the heart of our national identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIncreasing investment into Edinburgh\u2019s Festivals forms part of the Scottish Government\u2019s commitment to increase culture funding by \u00a3100 million annually by 2028-29, ensuring the benefits and chances to participate are enjoyed across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am delighted to be attending the opening concert of this year\u2019s Edinburgh International Festival and thank everyone involved in the tremendous range of shows on offer across all the festivals in the city this month.\u201d<\/p>\n
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