Under the change, artists entertaining at specific spots along the Royal Mile will be equipped with special electronic readers that take fixed amount payments during the 25 day culture festival.

The new technology was introduced in response to feedback from artists who reported a drop in earnings due to less festival goers carrying cash in recent years.

One performer Scott Hutchison, who performs as Super Scott, said: "Until now I've relied on cash contributions from audiences and I have definitely noticed a dip as the number of people carrying cash has decreased.

"The introduction of iZettle Readers at the Fringe is really exciting, futureproofing street performance and offering audiences an additional method of payment when showing their appreciation."

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society organisers say they've partnered with iZettle to become the world's first contactless tap-to-tip festival.

Six tap-to-tip stations will be set up in the Royal Mile street events arena for the 2018 Fringe.

Andy Meldrum, street events manager at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: "Our street events are open to anyone and attract performers from all over the world."

"Artists rely on the generosity of the general public who stop to take in their shows when passing through our street event arenas.

"Whilst cash contributions have worked for street entertainers for hundreds of years, we need to respond to the changing circumstances, which are affecting street performers all over the world.

The 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run between August 3-27.

Australian Associated Press