The Edinburgh International Book Festival today announced a new three year sponsorship deal with the independent investment partnership, Baillie Gifford.

The Edinburgh-based firm, who have been involved with the Book Festival since 2001, have committed their support for the next three years as lead sponsor for the Festival, becoming the title sponsors for the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme as well as the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme, which not only brings school parties into Charlotte Square in August but also takes authors out to schools across Scotland to interact with pupils. The firm will also attach their name to the Baillie Gifford Children’s Bookshop and to the Children’s Programme theatres and workshop spaces as well as to the largest venue on the site, the Baillie Gifford Main Theatre. The Baillie Gifford Gala Day on the final day of the Book Festival will welcome over 3,000 primary school pupils from across Scotland to a special, private day of children’s events and talks.

Baillie Gifford Partner, Nick Thomas, said “We are proud to be deepening our relationship with The Edinburgh International Book Festival. As one of the world’s leading literary events, the Festival continues to attract a wonderful variety of authors to suit all ages and interests, and we are particularly pleased to support its valuable work to encourage reading among the next generation.”

Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said “Baillie Gifford have been great supporters of the Book Festival for a number of years and we are delighted that we will be working together with this stronger partnership focussing on our younger visitors.”

Janet Smyth, Children’s and Education Programme Director at the Book Festival, said “The Baillie Gifford sponsorship will give us the opportunity to share the enjoyment of reading with children and young people across Scotland and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with a company that is so committed to supporting literature.”