People across the Highlands are being invited to pledge their support and help tell the story of the region’s cultural identity as the Highlands prepares its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
A new website launched today gives residents, communities, cultural organisations and supporters the opportunity to become part of the bid by sharing what Highland culture means to them.
An accompanying social media campaign will also encourage people to highlight what makes Highland culture unique, shape the story we want to tell the world, and share their aspirations for the cultural community of the future.
Visitors to the website can also sign up to a mailing list for regular updates.
The contributions from the public will help demonstrate the strength, diversity and ambition of culture across the Highlands, informing and shaping the bid which will be submitted on Monday 10 August.
Convener of The Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 would be a transformative opportunity for Inverness and the Highlands. We want our bid to celebrate the people, traditions, languages, landscapes and creativity that make the Highlands unique."
Bryan Beattie, Beò! 2029 Bid Director, added: “We want to hear from as many people as possible so that our bid reflects the authentic voice of the Highlands and the aspirations we share for generations to come.”
Inverness-Highland is the only Scottish entry to be longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 and the first bid to represent a region.
The bid aims to demonstrate how culture thrives beyond cities and plays a key role in tackling depopulation and shaping resilient, healthier and sustainable rural and island communities. The bid will act as a catalyst to reset and strengthen the region’s cultural strategy, unlock new partnerships, public and private investments, and support long-term social, economic and place-based benefits for communities across the region.
To pledge your support and share your story, visit: www.invernesshighland2029.co.uk