🗞️ Letter from the Editor: Fes tival in full swing, *that* cass ette tape and...can Scotland ma ke it as an independent country?

The Fringe Firsts have been recognising outstanding new writing premiered at the festival since 1973 – here are our first winners of 2022 View email online

News Opinion Sport I N S I D E R Aug 12, 2022 Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman Hello from a warm, sunny Edinburgh. And a special welcome if you're one of the huge number of new subscribers to The Scotsman, many joining us for our unparalleled Edinburgh Festival coverage. I hope you also find the rest of our package, from Scottish news to international affairs, food and drink and sport, a compelling reason to spend even more time with us. We're bowled over by the response to our Festival offer, and are delighted you're here. The Festival is in full swing: I'm looking forward to attending the Scotsman-sponsored gala opening screening for the Edinburgh International Film Festival this evening, as it celebrates returning to its August slot. We've also had the first of our influential Fringe First awards handed out today - you can find out the first of our picks online. And, across the city, there's an astonishing array of performances from artists of world renown, and no renown at all. We're interested in all of them, and you'll find our ever-increasing bank of reviews a useful resource if you plan to attend. Full access is, of course, part of your Scotsman subscription. Can Scotland make it as an independent country? Away from the arts, our deputy political editor Conor Matchett is continuing his podcast series on How To Be An Independent Country. The latest episode looks at the question of health systems and broader social policy, taking some advice from Montenegro, New Zealand and Ireland. Previous episodes have already covered borders, democratic processes and currency. Conor's podcast is, we hope, a useful and thought-provoking guide for anyone interested in what independence might mean - whether you think it's a good idea, or not. It'll be a packed Saturday Scotsman tomorrow: a full festival guide, of course, plus our Magazine featuring performance poet, rapper and writer Kae Tempest, and a "where are they now" feature on the up-and-coming stars of the NME's famed C86 cassette tape (if you know, you know). Also in the mag, Allan Massie reviews Scottish comic Kevin Bridges' new (and first) novel, while Rose Murray Brown suggests a dozen crisp white wines to quaff. They may be just the thing to keep cool this weekend. Whatever you're planning (or drinking) I hope you have a lovely weekend. Best wishes, Neil McIntosh Editor, The Scotsman Fringe Firsts week one - we reveal our 2022 Edinburgh festival award-winners The Fringe Firsts have been recognising outstanding new writing premiered at the festival since 1973 – here are our first winners of 2022 Read more + Festival Diary: The heat is on at Leith Theatre as Edinburgh's heatwave continues Read more + UK heatwave: Scotland to meet 'heatwave' criteria as temperatures could hit 30C Read more + Tories' ludicrous plans highlight opposition's lack of Atlee-style vision – Joyce McMillan Read more + If grouse shooting was a new idea, would you support it? – Max Wiszniewski Read more +

You have received this email as you have an opted in to exclusive Insider communications from The Scotsman, published by National World Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with us, please click here and log in to your account. Alternatively you can update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from National World Publishing Ltd, or unsubscribe from all future emails. National World Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at No 1 Leeds, 4th Floor, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, England, LS12 1BE, United Kingdom. We will process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy notice.