DUMFRIES could become a city if a new bid by an SNP MSP is successful.
Emma Harper, MSP for the South Scotland region, is hoping that the town could secure city status as part of a competition run by the UK Government and the Queen.
Several towns across the UK will be granted city status ahead of the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
After consulting with constituents and the Dumfries People’s Project, Harper has written to the leader of chief executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council asking whether the local authority would consider supporting and submitting the application for Civic Honours.
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All applications for city status must be made by local authorities. A 2011 attempt to achieve city status for Dumfries failed when it emerged it had not been processed via these means.
Harper now plans to meet with community groups and key figures in the Dumfries area, and those with a large amount of knowledge on the town’s culture and history, to fill out the application form.
“Dumfries has a rich culture and history, as well as civic pride to be proud of,” she said.
“Whether it be through our connection to JM Barrie and the Moat Brae Peter Pan Centre, Robert Burns and all his connections to Dumfries, the Theatre Royal, The Crichton Estate and its ground-breaking approach to mental health, our community events like the Big Burns Supper and Guid Neighbour’s, as well as our universities, UWS, OU and the University of Glasgow.
“We also have abundant green spaces in Dock Park, Heathhall Forest, King George IV Park and the Crichton Gardens, to name a few. We are surrounded by forestry, cycling and active travel infrastructure across both Dumfriesshire and Galloway. All of these assets make us truly unique and are assets we should be proud to have.”
Harper added that she has already received a positive response from councillor Elaine Murray, the leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, and will be contacting community representatives to get the wheels in motion.
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