Towns miss out on culture bid

DUMFRIES has missed out on Town of Culture 2028 shortlist.

Almost 400 places from across the UK entered the competition, which is part of the UK Government’s ambition to restore pride in local areas in every part of Britain.

Fifteen towns have been shortlisted for the culture prize, in three separate categories – small, medium and large – with one being chosen as the eventual winner.

Despite the region not making it to the next stage of the competition, three Scottish bids are going forward in the small and medium town category.

Isle of Bute and Lerwick have been selected to represent the small town category. Leith has made the shortlist in the medium town category.

As part of the competition, Dumfries had been tasked with producing a digital post- card, which celebrated the town’s historic charm and its potential as a cultural hub.

Elsewhere in the region, bids from Kirkcudbright, Whithorn Trust and Wigtown were also in the running.

The shortlisted towns are set to receive £60,000 to work on full bids with the winner announced early next year.