That this House welcomes the longlisting of Inverness as a candidate for UK City of Culture 2029; celebrates the city’s rich cultural life, including the transformation of Inverness Castle, the long-standing contribution of Eden Court Theatre, the international prestige of the Northern Meeting Piping Competition, and the success of local book festivals; notes Inverness’s growing role as a base for film and television production across the Highlands; further notes that no Scottish city has yet held the UK City of Culture title; highlights the significant economic and social benefits the title has brought to previous host areas, including increased investment, tourism and job creation; welcomes the wider engagement across the UK, with over 230 towns registering interest in the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition; and expresses its strong support for Inverness’ bid, believing it reflects the creativity, heritage and ambition that the judging panel seeks, and urging that its outstanding contribution to cultural life be recognised in the next stage of the competition.
