Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has jointly hosted a meeting with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society on how business can play a stronger role in reaping the economic benefits of the Edinburgh festivals.

The meeting, attended by business leaders, data industry representatives and diplomats, also explored whether the Fringe’s ongoing digital and data transformation could bring new business opportunities.

“As the largest performing arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe is one of Scotland’s greatest cultural assets and a significant economic contributor to the country,“ Forbes said after the meeting. “In terms of tickets sold and attendees, it is on the scale of the FIFA World Cup, but held every year and second only to the Olympics.

“This year the Scottish Government has ma

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