Today, 23 January 2026, the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) celebrates their 50th birthday.
The organisation was registered on 23 January 1976 with a governing document that was co-signed by collaborators from seven Scottish theatres, a powerful reminder that FST has always been built through collective effort, and that same spirit still drives the network today.
FST is comprised of around two-hundred independent artists and practitioners, producing companies, venues, education and umbrella bodies across Scotland. The membership and sector support body has a vital impact across the Scottish arts scene, and the organisation’s anniversary has been celebrated in the Scottish Parliament through a motion submitted by Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Green Party.
Over the past fifty years, FST has strived to advocate, connect across, and lead necessary change within the performing arts, enabling a thriving sector that that is integral to a vibrant, diverse, and equitable Scotland. However, rather than looking towards the past, FST is focused on the future. This 50th birthday is not simply a chance to celebrate what FST and their members have collectively built over the last five decades, but a moment to look forward with renewed energy and confidence.
FST is reimagining both their mentoring and bursary programmes which have already supported several hundred people to gain valuable experience in the performing arts sector. The organisation is also introducing new forums, creating spaces for members to connect, share ideas, and shape work together, with the real value coming from the conversations in the room. On top of this, FST will co-host an election husting with our partners across the culture sector, including Culture Counts.
Later in 2026, FST’s much beloved Emporium will return. The event gives FST members the opportunity to showcase work of all stages–early ideas, works in development, and production-ready shows seeking touring opportunities–and connect with others in the sector. FST will also host a Parliamentary Reception to share members’ successes with Members of the Scottish Parliament, policy-makers, and the wider sector.
FST is proud of what the organisation and their members have accomplished over the past fifty years, and is committed to facilitate a prosperous performing arts community in Scotland.
2026 Timeline
February
Election Hustings
As part of FST’s move towards advocacy, we are co-hosting an election hustings with our partners across the culture sector, including Culture Counts. Election candidates will be asked about their positions on the current issues facing the culture sector, to inform our members and wider audiences in the run up to the Scottish Parliament Elections in May. We will send details of this event out to our members in due course.
March
Bursary Scheme
Over the past 50 years, hundreds of artists, producers, and practitioners have accessed support through FST bursaries – often at pivotal moments in their careers. As part of FST’s 50th year, we’re taking this opportunity to review and relaunch the Bursaries scheme in spring 2026, ensuring it is clear in purpose, accessible in practice, and responsive to the realities of working in today’s performing arts sector. Building on the legacy of the scheme, the refreshed programme will continue to support professional development across different stages of practice, shaped through ongoing exchange with members. We’ll be sharing updates as the work develops and invite members to stay connected and engage as the scheme takes shape and reopens.
Mentoring Scheme
The Mentoring Scheme will also be relaunched in 2026, building on a strong legacy that has seen hundreds of people supported through mentoring relationships across the FST network. Mentoring at FST has long been rooted in exchange – shared learning, confidence-building, and connection across different stages of practice – and the refreshed scheme will place renewed emphasis on clarity, structure and meaningful support. Further details will be shared as the programme develops, including opportunities to take part as a mentor or mentee, and we encourage members to stay engaged as we shape the next phase of this work together.
May
Forums
Following a review of past networks and the recent FST consultation, forums will return in 2026 as ongoing spaces for members to connect and shape work together. They will be clearly defined, complement existing networks, and focus on Audiences, Producers, Touring, and Advocacy.
August
Festival Reception
The festival reception will return to Dynamic Earth on Wednesday 19 August, bringing members and partners together in the heart of the capital. The event celebrates the breadth and ambition of Scotland’s performing arts while Edinburgh is in the international spotlight, offering a chance to connect and champion creative work on a global stage.
October
Emporium
The Emporium will return in October 2026, creating space for work at all stages, from early ideas to tour-ready productions. Taking place over two days, it will include an Early Dialogue Day for developing work and a Market Day focused on networking, information-sharing, and sector discussion.
November/December
Parliamentary Reception
Towards the end of our 50th year, FST will be hosting a reception at the Scottish Parliament to share our research, members’ successes, and policy asks with Members of the Scottish Parliament, policy-makers, and the wider sector. Further details will be released later in 2026.
Join us at an Event!
With FST’s 50th anniversary, we look towards a future where we can continue to advocate, connect across, and lead necessary change within the performing arts in Scotland, with the aim to enable this integral sector to thrive. We look forward to seeing you at a future event, forum, or skill-building opportunity, as we celebrate our 50th birthday throughout the year!
As mentioned, if our members have any questions or ideas, please bring them to us at hello@scottishtheatre.org. Remember to sign-up to our Members Newsletter to receive updates from FST. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you all further.