The show can go on as Fringe visa plan ditched

A CHANGE in immigration rules which threatened to stop overseas performers coming to the Festival Fringe has been scrapped.

Artists from outside the European Union coming to take part in Edinburgh's annual arts extravaganza faced having to find sponsors and pay a massive increase in the cost of a visa under new rules to be introduced this year.

But after an intervention by Scottish Secretary Des Browne, a concession has been agreed.

It means performers will continue to be able to enter the UK as visitors and pay the standard charge for their visas, if they need them.

Mr Browne said: "I have listened to the concerns of Scotland's entertainers and I'm pleased that following consultation and discussions at the highest level, we've been able to secure a solution satisfactory to all parties."