Nicola Sturgeon to join discussion panel during Edinburgh’s First Footin’

Edinburgh’s First Footin’ line-up has been announced, with guests including Nicola Sturgeon, Michael Pedersen and Shirley Manson along with musical performances across the city.

First Footin’, supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund through Creative Scotland, will work to transform a selection of Edinburgh venues and attractions with a showcase of artists from across Scotland and beyond.

It will take place on January 1, marking the first events of 2026 in the city and acting as the finale to the four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.

Edinburgh’s Makar Pedersen will host an evening of music and discussion at Portobello Town Hall with Garbage singer Manson and special guests including former first minister Ms Sturgeon, with the group looking back on their favourite moments of 2025.

Live music at the event will come from Teenage Fanclub frontman Norman Blake, and there will also be a pop-up bookshop from local store The Portobello Bookshop.

First Footin’ in St Giles’ Cathedral will this year become a carnival of sound with Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra hosting musicians including James Emmanuel, Kathryn Joseph and Rachel Sermanni.

There will also be a collaboration between Edinburgh’s Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe and award-winning fiddle player and composer Aidan O’Rourke in New College’s Rainy Hall.

Pedersen said: “I can think of no more glorious a way to start the year than in the presence of Edinburgh’s primo cultural icon/all round extraordinary human/cherished friend, Shirley Manson. And what an epic year Shirley and Garbage have had – they delivered my album of 2025, and she’s my person of the year.

“Shirley also happens to be one of my favourite people to talk about books and art and life with – we’ll be brimming over with vocal zest. To be joined by one of the world’s finest songwriters, Norman Blake, and Scotland’s boldest new bestselling author, Nicola Sturgeon, is a level of dreamy beyond.

“Did I mention I went to high school ceilidhs in this town hall? What a quest to get here and return with reflections on my debut novel and first year as Edinburgh’s Makar. How’s about that for a first footing firework. Be warned: I’ll be swooning at them ‘aw.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.

“The Scottish Government is therefore proud to continue our support with £180,000 for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay from our Festival Expo Fund, which aims to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them.”

Edinburgh City Council leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh has always been a city that knows how to celebrate, and there’s no time of year that shows it better than Hogmanay.

“We’re welcoming 2026 with the return of our much-loved First Footin’ – a fantastic showcase of Scotland’s talent with performances taking place in some of our most renowned venues and public spaces.

“I’m delighted to welcome this year’s programme and encourage everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, to come along and start the year on a high.”