Provost Tracey Little confirmed that the latest bid has officially been made for Dumfries to become a city – and she is confident of success this time around.
“We are definitely a city in waiting,” said the provost after sharing details of the application submitted by Dumfries and Galloway Council to the Queen’s Jubilee competition around two weeks ago.
Speaking at last week’s full council meeting, Councillor Little said: “In addition to following the competition guidance, which was to include details of our royal connections, history, famous sons and daughters, we have included materials that promotes two key themes: firs that we are a unique location with no city in the south of Scotland and we are at the crossroads of the UK.
“And that we are rural and green, so we would be a different kind of city.”
The Queen has agreed that contests will be held for a grant of city status to mark her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which follows similar competitions for the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Dumfries failed with a bid in 2011, however much work has gone into the latest submission, with input from many partners and individuals including The People’s Project, Dumfries Partnership Action Group, and the council.
Provost Little also praised Dumfries Camera Club, Wheatley Group and Lord Lieutenant for their support in pulling together the bid application.
She said: “The entry will be published on the dedicated Facebook page shortly.
“This was not exclusively a council bid, although the bid is required to be submitted by the local authority but one of combined forces of many dedicated individuals.
“We had representations from businesses, charities, trusts, schools, aswell as our council – all with the same vision for our town and region.
“It was an honour to lead on such a focused and conscientious group. These are very busy people who gave generously of their free time to work on this precious project.”
She added: “All previous winners of this competition have reported great improvements to their towns – which are now cities – and we now also have those chances.
“I’m a proud Doonhamer, born and raised, and I have great belief in my home town and region – as I know you all do too.
“I believe we can win this competition. Geographically it makes sense, but when you see our bid you will recognise how worthy we are of the title and the future that it holds.
“We are definitely a city in waiting.”
No date has been given for the decision on which towns will be upgraded to city in the competition, but an announcement is expected to be made next spring or summer.
