The benefits in achievingrecognition for Edinburgh as UNESCO’s first City of Literature are expected tobe: raised awareness and prestige of Scotland’s literature nationally andinternationally; new initiatives attracted to Scotland; Edinburgh used as amodel for other World Cities of Literature, providing partnerships with othercities with strong literary profiles and aspirations, and a focus and co-ordinationfor literary activity, encouraging greater participation at all levels ofScottish society.It is too soon to judge the fullimpact; however, some benefits already accrued are:the inaugural Mann BookerInternational Prize, one of the most valuable new international awards, washeld in Edinburgh in 2005;during the EdinburghInternational Book Festival in 2005 a high-profile delegation from UNESCO andfrom other potential cities of literature enjoyed a special programme...