About Us

The Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is a charity specialising in literature, advocacy and international engagement.

We believe that literature in its broadest sense enriches the soul and brings joy, and that it is a true way to understand and celebrate ourselves, our city and our nation.

Through our work Edinburgh was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature being the founding city in an international network of UNESCO Cities of Literature. Over 17 years we have helped grow a global network of international literary cities, for the benefit of writers and literature professionals, bringing opportunities for paid commissions, supporting their creative practice and broadening their networks.

At a more local level our work has ranged from high profile campaigns to community-based projects, with bold, innovative work which has won awards. We do this to help Edinburgh be a warm and welcoming city, a place that values literature and its writers, where everyone can be involved in the joy of reading and writing, and be connected to the wider world.