Leith has been included on the shortlist for the title of the first UK Town of Culture, as one of three Scottish “towns”.
Leith, Lerwick and the Isle of Bute are among fifteen towns which have been chosen to go forward to the next stage of the first award, chosen from almost 400 towns which entered the bidding process.
The towns named on Thursday will receive £60,000 of funding to develop a full bid which will be assessed by an independent judging panel. There will be one finalist from each category, and one overall winner will be announced next year.
The outright winner will be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and would host a season of culture that year to provide a long lasting legacy of local people taking part in culture and engendering local pride. The victorious town would also receive a grant of £3 million from the government, and a further two prizes of £250,000 would be awarded to the towns in second and third place.
The announcement is regarded as a major milestone for Leith’s bid, which seeks to celebrate the town’s 900th anniversary in 2028 through a year-long programme inspired by its people, heritage, creativity and future ambitions.
Developed over recent months by a team of volunteers and through conversations with residents, artists, community organisations, schools, businesses and cultural partners, the bid has brought together an unprecedented coalition of support from across the town and beyond.
More than 80 organisations and individuals have backed the campaign, united by a shared belief in culture’s power to strengthen communities and shape the future.
For those behind the campaign, the shortlist recognition is not only an endorsement of Leith’s cultural credentials, but of the energy, ambition and civic pride that have driven the bid from the outset.
Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall, Bid Directors for Leith 2028, said: “To be shortlisted as one of just 15 places from almost 400 applications is a huge moment for Leith and a testament to the passion, creativity and commitment of everyone who has been involved in shaping this bid. This has been a genuinely community-led effort from day one, built by people who care deeply about Leith and are ambitious for its future.
“From the very beginning, we felt strongly that this had to be about more than a competition. Whatever the outcome, we wanted this to be the start of something special; new partnerships, fresh ambitions and a shared sense of what we can achieve together. We are thrilled that the judges have also seen that potential in Leith.
“One of the most moving moments came when we saw the map of entries from across the UK. It was a reminder that in towns and communities everywhere, people are imagining better futures and recognising the role that culture can play in shaping them. We wish every place that put itself forward the very best in turning those ambitions into reality.”
The government says its ambition behind the competition is for towns to reap similar benefits from the experience of bidding and encouraging local residents to get involved in cultural events to celebrate their town. The news from previous winners of the City of Culture title is positive. Three previous winners – Derry-Londonderry, Hull and Coventry – have attracted more than £1 billion in additional investment with an extra 2 million visitors. Audience research from Bradford 2025 shows more than 80 per cent of attendees felt events increased their pride in the place they live.
This scheme is part of the UK Government’s programme which it says is intended to restore pride in local areas. Another integral part of the government’s plans was announced last year – the Pride in Place Programme. The programme is a “significant, long-term investment” by the Government, committing up to £5.8 billion over 10 years to transform communities across the UK.
Every bidding town was invited to submit a postcard to celebrate their bid. Last week these postcards were shared on social media and showcased by National Museums Liverpool in a digital display to celebrate each and every town that has participated in the competition.
The postcards will remain within the National Museums Liverpool’s national collection.
The programme will deliver up to £20 million in funding and support to nearly 400 of the most in need neighbourhoods over the next decade.
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, said: “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.”
Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, said: “Leith is a place like no other, with a proud history, a vibrant cultural scene and an incredible community spirit.
“I want to thank every local organisation, community group and individual who has given their time, energy and passion to help bring this bid together. The dedication, creativity and commitment shown by everyone involved has been so remarkable.
“Being shortlisted as one of only 15 towns from almost 400 applications is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone who has played a part in telling Leith’s story.
“I am incredibly proud of Leith and delighted to see the community’s efforts recognised on a national stage. I look forward to continuing to support the bid as it moves forward to the next stage.”
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Leith’s shortlisting from nearly 400 applicants for the first UK Town of Culture is not only testament to the area’s diversity, creativity and rich heritage but also to the community’s passion for the place they live. Leith’s bid has been a real team effort and it’s thanks to a whole range of local organisations, community representatives, and residents that it’s come so far.
“As we progress to the next stage of the competition I know people across the Capital will join me in backing Leith’s bid – this vibrant, historic and tight-knit town centre really deserves to make its mark on the country.”
Cllr Katrina Faccenda, Labour councillor for Leith, said: “This is fantastic news for the people of Leith and is well deserved recognition of those who pulled together a coalition of those who live and work in Leith to make the bid. Many of those who live in Leith feel left out by Edinburgh and life isn’t always easy so recognition of what makes Leith different would be perfect as we head towards Leith’s 900 celebrations in 2028.”
Cllr Jack Caldwell, who represents the Leith Walk ward, said: “From Hibs, the greenest football club in Scotland, to music tuition through the Tinderbox Collective, to groundbreaking youth and older people’s work from organisations like the Citadel and Pilmeny Development Project, to hundreds of independent shops, workshops, and artists, Leith is a fascinating place where culture shapes so much.
“Leith Central Community Council even starts their meetings with a musical interlude before serious debates on governance matters and pavement quality.
“Well done and thanks to all the residents and organisations who’ve got the bid this far. This is a potential and genuine opportunity to celebrate both the old and new of Leith together and invest in its future.”
Cllr James Dalgleish, is the Labour councillor for the Leith Walk ward, said: “It will come as no surprise to those who live in or have visited Leith that we have been shortlisted for UK town of culture.
“The port town of Leith has “persevered” for hundreds of years, leading to what is a vibrant, diverse and thriving community. Leith is always at the cutting edge of arts, industry and business, the rest of Edinburgh are lucky to have us!
“It’s the people, businesses and local groups that make Leith the successful cultural hub it is, a place with an iconic identity, a place where we look out for one another. This positive news is down to all those who have worked for our local area, and that is why Leith has rightfully earned its spot on the UK shortlist.”
The shortlist comprises:
Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward
Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot
Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham
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