Fringe venue operator signs 10-year lease

The charity that runs one of the best-known Edinburgh Fringe venues has secured a ten-year lease for the building.

The Stage reports that Summerhall Arts will run a year-round artistic programme at Summerhall, promising to “bring creativity back” to the Edinburgh venue.

The future of the venue, a former vet school comprised of seven buildings that host hundreds of performances annually, had been uncertain after the building was put up for sale in May last year.

Prospective owners were offered several “refurbishment options”, including a change of use to residential, offices or student housing.

Last month charity Scot-ART took over management of the venue, pledging to “preserve and nourish [its] vibrant and expressive atmosphere”.

Summerhall Arts was recently added to Creative Scotland’s new multi-year funding portfolio and will receive £608,000 for the three year period 2025/26 to 2027/28.

However, Sam Gough, CEO of Summerhall Arts said further financial support is still needed.

“As we embark on this exciting new chapter as a charity, we’re relaunching our JustGiving campaign to help us prepare for the future and ensure that this iconic venue remains a thriving hub for the arts,” he said.