Adobe StockThree Scottish towns have been shortlisted to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028.
The Isle of Bute, Lerwick and Leith will receive £60,000 to work on their full bids for the award following their selection.
The towns have been chosen from nearly 400 bids as part of the competition run by the UK Government to restore pride in local areas across Britain.
They are joined by 12 other hopefuls from across the country, who are split into three categories: small, medium, and large.
The winning town will be given £3 million to deliver the cultural elements of its bid, as part of a UK Government programme.
The two runners-up are set to receive £250,000.
The Isle of Bute and Lerwick join Ilfracombe, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward in the small town category, while Leith takes on Corby, Great Yarmouth, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot in the medium town category.
The shortlisted places will now work to finalise their bids, which will explain how they would use culture to celebrate their town, showcase original storytelling, empower their local communities and provide more accessible culture in their local area.
Once complete, the full bids will be assessed by the independent judging panel. One finalist will then be selected from each category, with the overall winner being announced early next year.
The winner will go on to host a season of culture in 2028, which will help them to deliver a long-lasting legacy of cultural participation and local pride as has been seen in previous winners of the UK City of Culture competition: Derry-Londonderry 2013, Hull 2017, Coventry 2021 and Bradford 2025.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want to say a massive congratulations to the fifteen shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition.
“The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns. When I launched this competition, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life.
“I am so glad that so many towns have applied, and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community.”
Kirsty McNeill, UK Government minister for Scotland, added: “Scotland has an extraordinary cultural heritage, and the presence of three Scottish towns on the UK Town of Culture competition shortlist is a testament to the richness and diversity of communities across the country.
“From island life to historic port towns, each of these places has a unique story to tell, and I know that each bid reflects the genuine passion and pride that local people have for where they live.
“The UK Government is committed to ensuring that culture belongs everywhere, and I’m delighted that Scottish towns are so strongly represented.”
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Isle of Bute has been shortlisted for the UK’s first Town of Culture competition. To be selected from almost 400 applications from across the UK is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the passion, creativity and pride of our community.
“Bute has a rich cultural heritage, a thriving arts scene, internationally recognised events, stunning historic attractions and a strong tradition of community-led creativity.
“Our island’s unique stories, landscapes and people make it a special place, and this recognition highlights the important contribution Bute makes to Scotland’s and the UK’s cultural life.”
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