The disappointing decision was announced by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
Dumfries and Galloway had joined up with Carlisle, Cumbria, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland to enter the contest.
It was one of 20 entries received, with just eight making the final longlist: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon; Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, Stirling and Wrexham County Borough.
Commenting on the decision, Professor Russel Griggs OBE, chair of the Borderlands City of Culture Steering Group, said: “While disappointed that we have not made the 2025 UK City of Culture longlist, it has still been a thoroughly worthwhile exercise.
“It has helped showcase our passion and ambition to the rest of the country, particularly around the twin crisis of biodiversity loss and climate change.
“We pass on our congratulations and good luck to those areas and places who successfully made the 2025 UK City of Culture longlist.”
