Alongside this was the breakaway movement known as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – where performers who were not invited to the International Festival just simply showed up and put on their own event. Today the Fringe is the largest arts festival in the entire world and has spawned more than 200 similar festivals throughout Europe and beyond, all utilising its open-access model.

Bonds in business

Scotland also has an extensive network of ‘hubs’ throughout Europe that are designed to strengthen ties. Known as innovation and investment hubs, there are currently six of these offices (Dublin, London, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen) all dedicated to furthering Scottish and European interests. Designed to support trade, investment and innovation with the countries they are situated in, these hubs are the perfect platform to showcase the amazing things that can be achieved by working together.

Each of the hubs is different – being tailored specifically to the opportunities available in each host country. As well as promoting trade and inward investment, they are also known to cover wider economic opportunities including cultural collaborations, promoting Scotland’s world-leading research and innovation, and – crucially – strengthening diplomatic relationships.

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