Is it awards time already? Oh yes, the first batch of Fringe Firsts were presented by the Scotsman earlier today, celebrating great new writing at the Festival.

And while The Scotsman’s critics do often tend to skew the proceedings towards a small number of venues – the Traverse in particular – they do, nevertheless, generally pick out some very fine new theatre along the way.

Says the broadsheet: “This week’s choice of winners reflects the dominance of solo shows at this year’s Fringe – a sign of our straitened times, perhaps. But the variety of work on offer is still hugely impressive, and – as demonstrated by Fishamble’s extraordinary Underneath, for example – a solo show can still feel like an epic theatrical spectacle”.

The first batch of winners are as follows, with another set due to be announced each Friday of the Festival…

A Gambler’s Guide To Dying, Gary McNair with Show And Tell, Traverse

Going Viral, An ARC Production written and performed by Daniel Bye, Northern Stage at Summerhall

The Christians, Gate Theatre, Traverse

Swallow, Traverse Theatre Company, Traverse

The Deliverance, Stellar Quines, Assembly Roxy

Underneath, Fishamble: The New Play Company, Dance Base

The History Of The World Through Banalities, Kopergietery/ Big in Belgium/ Richard Jordan Productions/ Theatre Royal, Summerhall (pictured)