World
Book festival ends sponsorship with Baillie Gifford after boycott threats
A third Scottish book festival has ended its partnership with sponsor Baillie Gifford following pressure from climate campaigners.
Wigtown Book Festival has been sponsored by the investment management firm for the last 14 years but has cut ties following similar announcements by the Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF) in May and the Borders Literary Festival in Melrose earlier this month.
The Cheltenham Literary Festival in England also recently cut its ties to the company.
The Wigtown Book Festival board said: “It is with regret that we announce that the partnership between Wigtown Book Festival and Baillie Gifford is to end.
“We wish to offer huge thanks for their stalwart support over 14 years, which has allowed us to sustain and grow the festival, and has provided economic, cultural and social benefits across our community.”
In a post on social media, the organisers said that, like other book festivals, the Wigtown Book Festival was hitting “hard times” and called on people to support it by becoming a “book town friend”.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The 2024 festival, in “Scotland’s National Book Town”, is set to run between September 27 and October 6.
The decision by EIBF followed pressure from climate campaigners critical of the firm’s investment in fossil fuels, with 50 authors also signing an open letter at last year’s festival threatening a boycott in 2024 unless Baillie Gifford divested of billions of investments, or the organisers found a new sponsor.
Last month, another group of writers said the campaign against the EIBF was “deeply retrograde” and signed an open letter saying they are concerned about its future.
Nick Thomas, a partner with Baillie Gifford, said previously: “We hold the activists squarely responsible for the inhibiting effect their action will have on funding for the arts in this country.
“Baillie Gifford is a long-term investor with high ethical standards and a complete focus on doing what is right by our clients.”
He added: “Only 2% of our clients’ money is invested in companies with some business related to fossil fuels.”
The firm declined to provide any further comment on Wednesday.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
Football 301 Playbook: Sights set on the HarBowl and how much-improved Chargers can challenge Ravens
Steph reveals what surprised him about Buddy’s practice routine
Cubs’ top 5 offseason questions: How does Cody Bellinger fit? And which free-agent pitchers will Chicago target?
Tee Higgins to Patriots? Here are the top WRs set to hit free agency
NBA joins NFL in warning players about security following Bobby Portis, Mike Conley Jr. home burglaries
No. 13 SMU, head coach Rhett Lashlee agree to contract extension with ACC title in reach
Lynch reveals 49ers’ QB plan if Purdy can’t go vs. Packers
Franz Wagner feeling himself against the Lakers? A dangerous development for all Magic foes
