Stornoway launches bid to become first UK Town of Culture

If it wins, the town stands to receive £3m, which will be used to create a “transformative cultural programme” that will seize on its Gaelic heritage, musical traditions, history and sense of community.

The first ever Town of Culture programme will celebrate the cultural contributions of towns across the UK and create lasting legacies through investment and cultural participation.

The winning town will receive £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, while two additional finalists will receive £250,000 each. Shortlisted towns will be awarded £60,000 development grants to build full submissions.

Last month, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar councillors voted to entirely axe core arts funding from the local authority budget. Instead, an open fund pot of £110,000 will be available to any arts organisations on the island, £30,000 of which will be ring fenced for projects promoting Gaelic.

Councillor Duncan Macinnes, chair of the Stornoway Area Forum said, “Stornoway's bid will highlight the town’s strong cultural identity shaped by its Gaelic heritage, musical traditions, history, landscape and natural assets, and strong community.

“While there will be strong competition from across the UK, we will be working closely with local partners to submit a compelling proposal that reflects both the town’s heritage and its ambitions for the future.”

The UK City of Culture competition was launched in 2009, with Derry/Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford all named winners over the past 17 years.

Launching the Town of Culture competition, UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Great culture is not confined to our largest metropolitan centres; it is everywhere, rooted in communities across the country. But for too long that talent and contribution has gone unrecognised.

“Everybody deserves the chance to share their pride in the place they call home and to have access to quality art, music, dance and drama wherever they live.”

Towns submitting an expression of interest to apply must do so before 31 March, with a shortlist expected in spring. The final winner will be selected in 2027.