Shona McCarthy
Press clippings
Give Edinburgh Fringe the same status as Olympics, departing head urges
Shona McCarthy says public authorities have routinely ignored needs of world's largest arts festival.
Severin Carrell, The Guardian, 5th March 2025Shona McCarthy: "Running the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is not a job for the faint-hearted"
After nearly a decade running the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, including guiding it through some of its stormiest years, chief executive Shona McCarthy is stepping down. She tells Fergus Morgan about what she's most proud of achieving and her future plans.
Fergus Morgan, The Stage, 5th March 2025EdFringe boss: Government should support us like it supports the Olympics
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society chief executive Shona McCarthy has called for a "joined-up investment strategy" to help the event "survive and stabilise".
Fergus Morgan, The Stage, 4th February 2025Edinburgh Fringe chief quits
Shona McCarthy is stepping down as chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society after nearly a decade at the helm.
Chortle, 8th October 2024Fringe Society calls for more support for artists
At the close of the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Fringe Society has called for more political support for the arts.
British Comedy Guide, 27th August 2024Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society CEO defends Baillie Gifford sponsorship
Investment management firm cancelled deals with UK literary festivals over links to Israel and fossil fuel companies.
Libby Brooks, The Guardian, 12th June 2024Creative Scotland raises concerns over "precarious" running of Fringe Society
Fringe Society chief executive Shona McCarthy has been accused of painting an "inaccurate" picture of funding support.
Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 24th April 2024Edinburgh Fringe to launch 'festival village' rooms for participants
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society have announced a new partnership with Queen Margaret University to provide an accommodation option for hundreds of Fringe participants as part of a new 'festival village' during August. Rooms will be priced at £269.50 per week on the university campus, which is a six-minute train ride away from Waverley Station.
British Comedy Guide, 5th February 2024Edinburgh Festival Fringe chiefs say 'difficult and challenging' shows must be allowed on its stages
Senior figures have spoken out in the wake of controversies over venues pulling the plug on several shows this year and last year.
Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 25th August 2023Scotsman opinion: The importance of a Fringe free to offend
It is shocking the Chief Executive of the Fringe Society needs to defend free expression, but her intervention was vital.
The Scotsman, 25th August 2023