Stirling flies the flag for Scotland in fight for City of Culture 2025 crown
The city will get £40,000 to put together a bid
Stirling is Scotland's contender in the race to be named the UK's City of Culture in 2025, against seven other areas around the country.
Eight areas are set to be handed £40,000 each to put together a bid and provide a "creative catalyst for change''.
Some 20 areas put bids forward but only Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, Stirling and Wrexham County Borough will go through.
The winner, which will be revealed next year, will hope to bring in millions of pounds of investment to create jobs and attract tourists.
Shining a light on Stirling
Kevin Harrison is from the Art Link Central group and is telling Clyde 1 News why believes Stirling is worthy of the City of Cultuer title.
"It will shine a light on the incredible talent and creativity that's already under our feet," he says.
"Where we are seeking to see the most benefit is in the regeneration and support for communities in Stirling.
"It's a really walkable city and a place with lots of start-ups."
Sir Phil Redmond, chairman of the City of Culture expert advisory panel, said:
"The expressions of interest stage was introduced as an opportunity to encourage many more places to experience the benefit of coming together to define and share a cultural vision for their areas, and what the longlist demonstrates is the range and depth of cultural ambition across the whole of the UK.
"Also for the first time, each longlisted city will receive financial support to help them develop their vision. Each is different. Each has its own story to tell. All share a common aim: to demonstrate how culture can act as the creative catalyst for change. I am really looking forward to seeing how each story develops.''
Fascinating history - vibrant scene
Scotland Office minister Iain Stewart said: "I'm particularly pleased that Stirling is in the running for this prestigious award. With its fascinating history and vibrant creative scene, it's a strong contender for the title.
"The list of cities announced today is testament to the outstanding creativity and culture across the UK. I look forward to seeing proposals develop as Stirling strives to bring the UK City of Culture to Scotland for the first time.''