TRIBUTES have been paid to “legendary internationalist” and “serial entrepreneur” Jim Haynes, one of the most important figures in the evolution of Edinburgh Festivals.
He was the co-founder of Traverse Theatre and responsible for events in the 60s that helped shape the capital as one of the most culturally significant cities in the world.
Louisiana-born Haynes arrived in Scotland in the 50s while serving in the US Air Force, opening the UK’s first Paperback Bookshop in George Square in Edinburgh in 1959, shortly after being demobbed.
He helped organise the 1962 international writers’ conference, where 70 of the world’s most celebrated writers came to Scotland to discuss the world of literature.