| Dear Voornaam, It may only be March, but the Edinburgh festivals build-up can officially begin. Director of the Edinburgh International Festival Nicola Benedetti spoke to our arts correspondent Brian Ferguson today in a wide-ranging interview where she discusses the programme, ticket pricing and her pregnancy. Our subscribers can read the article and watch the video interview here The Scotsman's team of critics have also been casting their eyes over the programme and, again for subscribers, you can read their verdict here Finally, Brian has picked out some of his highlights from the 160 performances unveiled in a free to view piece. The event, which will see more than 2,000 artists from 42 nations takes to stages across the city. It will be August before you know it. Meanwhile, the fallout from yesterday's Budget is continuing, with Douglas Ross facing more questions over the Chancellor's decision to extend the windfall tax on oil and gas, a move which is not entirely helpful for the Scots Tories' hopes in the North-east of Scotland. Mr Ross said he had “strong, robust discussions” with Jeremy Hunt over the move and has vowed to continue to fight against it. In Sport, the team is out for Saturday's Six Nations clash in Rome. Graham Bean has everything you need to know. Have a great evening Alan | 