A combined bid by Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway councils to be crowned the UK’s City of Culture 2025 has been backed by Tweeddale MP David Mundell, who believes it could bring millions into the local economy and help put the area well and truly on the map.
Past winners of the UK City of Culture designation, including Hull and Coventry, have seen lasting benefits to their areas, such as millions of pounds in direct investment, a significant uplift to the tourism economy, increased turnover for local businesses, extensive engagement by local residents in cultural activity and culture-led regeneration of local communities.
Bids are being prepared by a number of cities and regions in England and Wales, including Bradford, Medway, Wolverhampton, Cornwall and Wrexham, but Mr Mundell believes a joint Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway bid would have what it takes to compete against them and win.
David Mundell said: “With expressions of interest now being invited by the UK Government from areas interested in bidding to be the UK City of Culture 2025, I believe the Borderlands region is in a strong position to put forward such a proposal. That’s why I am delighted South of Scotland Enterprise and other key stakeholders are already examining the possibilities for a successful bid and why I will do everything I can to help with that process.
“All previous winners of the UK City of Culture designation have seen substantial economic and cultural benefits which have continued over the long-term and this is just the kind of transformative boost that we need locally.
“It’s calculated that the Hull designation in 2017 brought in £22m for the local economy, £300m in tourism and £3.4bn in public and private investment since 2013-17, so the huge bonus that could come to the Borders is clear.
“A Borderlands bid would attract investment, help create jobs locally, boost culture and the arts and give an enhanced sense of civic pride for local residents.
“To be crowned the UK’s next city of Culture would be a real tribute to the cultural heritage we have locally and an accolade which recognised some of the extraordinary creativity to be found here in the Borders and across the wider Borderlands region. It’s why I am backing this effort all the way.”