A major new research project has launched in a bid to measure the effect of all 12 Edinburgh festivals on both the city and Scotland as a whole during 2010.
Economic gains, social benefits and media profile will be recorded as part of the study, which got underway to coincide with the start of the Edinburgh International Science Festival.
Six partners - EventScotland; the Scottish Arts Council; the City of Edinburgh Council; Festivals Edinburgh; Scottish Enterprise; and the Scottish Government have commissioned the research.
Festivals Forum chair Susan Rice said: "What may not be so apparent is the economic and wider social value that the festivals bring, not just to Edinburgh, but to Scotland as well.
"This research seeks to quantify that value and, as such, will add enormously to our appreciation of the festivals."
