The Edinburgh Lord Provost will serve as an ambassador for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, ushering the legendary festival into its next 75 years.

The newly created honorary position will continue to build upon the longstanding relationship between the festival and the City of Edinburgh Council. The Lord Provost will also aid in expanding the international scope of the Fringe, welcoming international delegates from across the world.

Says Shona McCarthy, the Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society in a statement, "We’re delighted that the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, has accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador for the Edinburgh Fringe. As the civic head for the city, and Edinburgh’s ambassador on a world stage, we look forward to working closely in the months and years to come. For over 75 years the Fringe has been recognized as one of the most culturally important events on the planet, it is easy to forget just how much it is part of Edinburgh’s DNA and how much this city has formed and shaped this global project. The Lord Provost’s role clearly signifies the Fringe is Edinburgh, and it is also part of Edinburgh’s face to the world.”

Aldridge adds, "I’m delighted to accept the role of Ambassador for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Fringe is one of Edinburgh’s greatest success stories and has brought the world to the capital every August for over 75 years. I’m excited to start working with the board and promoting the work of this Edinburgh institution to our city and beyond. The Fringe is now an essential part of the identity of our city, and I look forward to seeing how it will grow and evolve in the coming years."