United front for culture bid

Inverness is Scotland's only bidder for the title

Supporters of the sole Scottish bid to be named the 2008 European capital of culture have joined together to show a united front.

A display of Highland culture was staged to promote the application from Inverness and the Highlands.

The event in Edinburgh was attended by First Minister Jack McConnell and Culture Minister Mike Watson - along with the leaders of 19 other Scottish agencies.

Other bidders

Belfast

Bradford

Birmingham

Brighton and Hove

Bristol

Canterbury and East Kent

Cardiff

Liverpool

Newcastle and Gateshead

Norwich

Oxford

The bodies have signed a concordat of support, recognising the opportunities which would be created by success in the competition.

The presentation, which featured four students from Plockton High School in Wester Ross, will also be seen by Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell in London on Wednesday.

Mr McConnell said the bid showed Scotland could innovate "at the cutting edge of culture".

"The Scottish ministers back this bid. We share its aspirations, its ambition and its desire to represent the Highlands, and Scotland, on an international stage," he said.

Mr Watson said: "This bid brings an excellent opportunity to achieve profound change in the area and boosts the Highlands as a tourism and cultural destination."

Scottish Arts Council director Graham Berry said: "The arts in Scotland continue to go from strength to strength.

Cultural heritage

"This is especially visible in the Highlands, where our traditional music, arts and language have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, alongside a wealth of sparkling contemporary talent."

Scottish Natural Heritage chairman John Markland said: "The Highlands are the ideal location to demonstrate how the natural and cultural heritage are closely intertwined.

"As well as our rich wildlife and stunning landscape being the inspiration behind much that is proposed for 2008, this is a unique opportunity for the Capital of Culture Programme to use the arts to help the people of the Highlands explore their relation to the land."

I cannot think of any of our competitors who can match this depth of backing we have received

Councillor David Green

Philip Riddle, the chief executive of tourist body VisitScotland, said there would be "huge benefits" if the area could win the title.

This support was welcomed by Councillor David Green, the chairman of Inverness Highland 2008 - the company promoting the bid.

"I cannot think of any of our competitors who can match this depth of backing we have received," he said.

The Scottish Executive provided £100,000 towards the £450,000 cost of preparing the bid.

The remainder was provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, VisitScotland, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise and the Scottish Arts Council.

Inverness Highland 2008 is one of 12 UK bidders for the prize.