Nicola Benedetti has disclosed that “heartbreaking” cuts are being made to next year’s Edinburgh International Festival after SNP ministers left its funding in limbo.

Ms Benedetti, the festival’s director, said all aspects of its 2025 programme have had to be “squeezed” due to uncertainty over its public funding.

The violinist told The Scotsman that the festival has been forced to drop its large-scale opening event, which has been a highlight over the last decade, because it can no longer afford it.

The number of concerts in the Usher Hall, which has been a cornerstone of the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) since its launch in 1947, is also expected to be significantly scaled back.

Ms Benedetti said it was “heartbreaking for us to be presenting a reduced festival” and urged SNP ministers to provide a “significant uplift” in funding in next month’s Scottish Budget.