Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Evelyn Tweed have backed Stirling Council in their bid to become the UK City of Culture 2025.

The award has been organised between the devolved administrations and the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, and Stirling is among 20 other entrants vying for the coveted title. Current holder Coventry has seen record investment since winning the 2021 title, in support of local cultural projects.

The coming year will see the list of bidders reduce as applications are scrutinised, with the winner set to be announced in May 2021.

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘As we steadily emerge from the pandemic, we’ve all had time to reassess the value of culture to our households, communities, economy and lives. Theatre, live performances, music, art, historical heritage – Stirling absolutely has these assets in spades, so it’s only proper that Stirling Council have bid for the City of Culture Award. I fully back them in these efforts, and look forward to the welcome boost this can bring to Stirling as a whole’.

Evelyn Tweed MSP said: 

‘Stirling has so much to offer – from fantastic natural beauty spots and world-class food and drink experiences, to shows, exhibitions, monuments, historic sites and so much more. I think Stirling would make an excellent City of Culture, and I commend Stirling Council for their ambition in pursuing this award.’