The length of the new agreement coincides with the bank’s 300th year anniversary in 2027 and comes as part of Royal Bank’s continued commitment to supporting arts and culture in Scotland, as the sector continues to face significant challenges in recovering from the effects of the pandemic.

Royal Bank’s backing of the Edinburgh International Book Festival dates back to 2007 and allows both homegrown audiences and those from further afield to experience an international celebration of the written word, literature, and ideas.

This year’s event will run from 12-28 August 2023, bringing together leading and emerging international, British, and Scottish authors and thinkers in an extensive programme of public events at the Book Festival’s new base at Edinburgh College of Art.

From its beginning in 1983, the not-for profit has grown into the largest public celebration of the written word in the world and now stages 600 events every August, attracting over a quarter of a million visits each year.

Judith Cruickshank, chair of the Scotland board at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s an honour to have worked with the Edinburgh International Book Festival for the past 15 years.

“Scotland and Edinburgh in particular, has built a reputation as a centre for the arts, and events such as the Book Festival cement our country as a place where culture and creativity are nurtured and celebrated.

“Royal Bank of Scotland is committed to supporting Scotland’s culture heritage and protecting its future; a promise that is evidenced through this renewed partnership.”

Nick Barley, festival director, said: “We are thrilled to be strengthening our collaboration with Royal Bank of Scotland for five more years. Along with much of the arts industry, recent times have encouraged us to creatively adapt and innovate to continue delivering exciting events and experiences for audiences.

“Long-term partnerships such as the one we have with Royal Bank of Scotland are vital in allowing us to plan and build for the future with certainty.

“We are very grateful to Royal Bank of Scotland for its forward-looking approach to supporting the cultural sector, and we are excited to continue putting our shared values and commitment to culture and community at the forefront of what we do.”

In 2023, the Book Festival will take place at Edinburgh College of Art with a varied programme of events for adults, children, and schools, including a large range of author talks, creative workshops and discussions with Scottish, UK and international authors.