Businesses across Scotland are being urged to show their support for Stirling’s bid for UK City of Culture 2025.

Of the eight places on the UK Government’s long-list for the 2025 title, Stirling is the only successful Scottish applicant. The winner is set to be declared next spring.

By pledging their support, businesses will have their name and logo displayed on the new bid website.

A gallery of images showcasing Stirling’s arts and cultural scene has also gone on display in The Thistles shopping centre to encourage local people and businesses to back the bid.

Stirling Council leader and chair of the City of Culture Bid Steering Group, Scott Farmer, said:

“Securing UK City of Culture status is proven to attract significant investment and represents a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the area and indeed across the whole of Scotland.

“Stirling’s bid will be a catalyst for economic growth, inclusion, and regeneration in Stirling and beyond – it will provide a huge boost to the area’s wider cultural ambitions, increasing tourism and enhancing the profile of the area nationally and internationally.

“The voice of businesses will be crucial to the success of the bid, so please support our ambitions for culture and creativity.”

Stirling’s City of Culture bid is being led by Stirling Council, in conjunction with Scene Stirling, a place partnership involving Stirling’s arts, education, heritage, and cultural organisations – Artlink Central, Macrobert, The Engine Shed, Creative Stirling, Stirling University, Big Noise, Stirling Smith, Forth Valley College Creative Industries, Go Forth and Stirling Council as well as Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Following a record of 20 bids, the eight cities on the City of Culture long-list are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, Stirling, and Wrexham County Borough.

Missing out on the cut was the Borderlands region – comprising Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Cumbria and Carlisle City – and the Tay Cities region.

Winning the title can see the host city attract millions of pounds in additional investment, create new jobs and bring thousands of visitors to the area.

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