As the South of Scotland prepares its bid to become the 2025 UK ‘City of Culture’, John Lamont MP and Cllr Mark Rowley have voiced their support for the competition.
South of Scotland Enterprise, Borderlands, Scottish Borders Council and local politicians are working hard on the ambitious bid for the whole of the South of Scotland region, which would aim to celebrate the area’s heritage, culture and creativity.
The competition is being delivered by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in collaboration with the devolved administrations. It recognises the central role culture and creativity has in the recovery of our communities and provides a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on what the region has to offer.
Mr Lamont has been working closely with his neighbouring MP, David Mundell, and with DCMS officials to ensure that the region submits a strong bid.
John Lamont MP said:
“Becoming a ‘City of Culture’ would create huge economic opportunities for the Scottish Borders, building on the Borderlands Growth Deal.
“The Borders and the wider South of Scotland region are in a strong position to compete for the title, with a deep and varied cultural heritage that reflects the creativity of our communities.
“Our region and our wonderful natural landscape have so much going for them and this is the perfect chance to showcase and promote that.
“I’m working closely with my colleague David Mundell, the MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, and with UK Government and Department for Culture, Media and Sport officials to ensure we submit the strongest bid possible for the Scottish Borders and the South of Scotland.”
Cllr Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for economic regeneration and finance, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase not just the depth of our region’s exceptional cultural, built and natural history, but the vibrancy of the creative and cultural activity here right across the region now.
“The cultural and economic potential is huge and this would be an fantastic opportunity to support and grow our creative sectors and showcase all that we have to offer at an international level.
“We already have exceptional collaborative relationships with our near neighbours working hard to deliver the exciting Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, so I’m encouraged by the widespread enthusiasm to create a unique coast-to-coast bid. Scottish Borders Council are working hard with a range of partners to ensure we submit the strongest possible bid and I’m supporting that work enthusiastically as this is a unique opportunity for the Borders.”
