MSPs back Euro capital of culture bid

Dundee is ready to be a “beacon of creativity to the world”, the Scottish Parliament heard yesterday as it gave its backing to its European Capital of Culture bid.

MSPs united to support the city in its attempt to win the 2023 status, as well as Paisley’s pursuit of the UK’s City of Culture designation.

Fiona Hyslop, culture secretary, hailed support for the bid in the City of Discovery, saying it was primed to lead the world in the arts.

She told MSPs: “People are excited, engaged and enthused.

“A recent edition of the Dundee Courier carried the faces and voices of more than 600 local people with their thoughts about Dundee and Europe – an extraordinary endorsement of Dundee’s support for being a European city, not just a city in Europe.”

An estimated 1,600 jobs could be created, alongside a £128 million boost for the economy, if Dundee wins.

Bill Bowman, for the Scottish Conservatives, voiced his support.

“Dundee is not just aiming for the title of European Capital of Culture,” the North East MSP said.

“Dundee is aiming for a new future. And it is a city that has the ambition and drive to achieve it.”

The competition sees two European cities given the status on a rolling programme.

The City of Discovery is up against Leeds, BelfastDerry, Truro-Cornwall, Nottingham and Milton Keynes to be the UK winner.

Hungary is also hosting a city for the designation.

The deadline for the Dundee bid is the end of next month.

Picture: Alan Richardson. The launch of Dundee’s bid for European Capital of Culture 2023 in City Square. Now MSPs have given their backing with just a month to go before the deadline.