BORDER IN THE RUNNING FOR A £172M WINDFALL AND 5,000 NEW JOBS

win the title.

“This town has given so much in terms of history, culture and design not just to the UK but to the world, winning the UK City of Culture would be a fitting way to recognise that.”

John Glen, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, revealed the shortlist yesterday.

He said: “We have received strong bids from across the UK and now have a fantastic shortlist of five that reflect the diversity and cultural ambition of our towns and cities.

“I want to congratulate all eleven bids which offered brilliant examples of how to celebrate their own unique culture and heritage, and showed just how prestigious and coveted the UK City of Culture is.

“The strength of the competition showed us how valuable our cultural assets are to our towns, boosting tourism and jobs in local communities.

“I have seen first hand how Hull has embraced its status as City of Culture 2017, and how beneficial it has been for the area.

“I am looking forward to seeing what will come in 2021.”

Entries were tabled by 11 contenders in the race for the crown, including Perth, Scotland; Hereford, Portsmouth, Warrington and Wells, all in England; and the Hundred of Dewisland, and St David’s in Wales.

The winner is expected to be announced in December.

 For more information on Paisley’s drive to become UK City of Culture 2021, visit www.paisley2021.co.uk

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