WIREDGOV

Scottish literature will be showcased at Asia's leading community-based arts festival, thanks to support from the Scottish Government.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has approved funding of £10,000 to raise Scotland's profile at the festival which attracts thousands of book lovers from all over Asia and the world.

Running from January 21 to January 25, the Jaipur Literature Festival is Asia's leading literary festival. Three of Scotland's acclaimed writers are appearing at this year's festival, and the funding announced today will maximise the promotional opportunities for Scotland and Scottish literature as a result of their attendance. The three Scottish writers attending the Festival are Alexander McCall Smith, Andrew O'Hagan and William Dalrymple.

Ms Hyslop said:

"The Jaipur Literature Festival provides a unique platform to promote Scottish writers, and Scotland's contemporary literature scene, to a global audience.

"We will soon publish our approach to developing links between Scotland and South Asia with one of the key strands being building on the historical and cultural links between our nations.

"Experience of cultural activities are often the basis of our understanding of other nations, so building on existing cultural links is an important way of developing opportunities for collaboration in other areas.

"Support for the Scottish presence in Jaipur will help enable the development of constructive and longer term relationships. This involvement also helps build Scotland's cultural profile within India, as Delhi hosts the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and Scotland becomes host in Glasgow in 2014."

William Dalrymple, Jaipur Literature Festival Director, said:

"Besides showcasing the best of Indian-language and English writing from India, this year the festival will be importing a Nobel laureate; a winner of the Samuel Johnson Prize; two Booker winners and five winners of the Pulitzer Prize for literature, as well as leading writers from the world of history, biography, literary criticism and travel in addition to the stars of the world of fictions and the novel."

The Scottish authors attending the festival in Jaipur will present a literary session titled 'Under the Kilt', showcasing Scotland's literary heritage and contemporary writing.

Anil And, Indian Consul General in Edinburgh, said:

"The Scottish Government's thoughtful contribution towards the literature festival in Jaipur will further strengthen the close links that exist between India and Scotland in the fields of arts, culture, education and literature and is greatly welcomed."

The Jaipur Literature Festival promotes cross-cultural appreciation by bringing together the best of Indian and international writers.