Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh backs Leith bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028
Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh is among a number of well-known public figures backing a community-led bid for Leith to become UK Town of Culture 2028 – but the port faces stiff competition from neighbouring towns across the Lothians.
A partnership body representing Leith, which was autonomous as a separate town from Edinburgh up until 1920, has submitted an application to become the inaugural UK Town of Culture in 2028.
If successful, the award of the Town of Culture status would coincide with the 900th anniversary of the first written records of Leith.
More than 70 local organisations and public figures have backed the campaign including Hibernian Football Club, Leith School of Art, Historic Environment Scotland, Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh, Idlewild guitarist Rod Jones and radio presenter Vic Galloway.
A spokesperson for Leith’s 2028 Town of Culture bid said: “This bid has been built by the people of Leith, for Leith.
“It’s about confidence, connection, care for our place, and fun! – and about showing what culture can do when it’s led locally, shared widely, and rooted in everyday life.
“Leith has never stood still. In 2028, we hope to stand tall as the UK’s first Town of Culture.
“Share your passion and care for Leith by getting behind our bid on social media using the hashtag #Leith2028”
The community-powered bid has also been backed by City of Edinburgh Council as the town’s accountable body.
Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This bid is about far more than recognition – it’s a celebration of Leith’s creativity, its rich heritage, and, above all, the people who make this community so special.
“From our historic waterfront to our thriving arts scene, this is an opportunity to reaffirm Leith’s place on the international stage.
“Reaching this point has been a true team effort, with incredible support from local organisations, community representatives, and residents. I hope everyone will get behind Leith as we make our case to become the next Town of Culture.”
“Leith is more than a town of culture. Leith is culture,” said Irvine Welsh, as he put his name to Leith’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.
The bid area includes the community council areas of Leith Central, Leith Harbour & Newhaven, and Leith Links, a district of the Capital which is home to around 50,000 residents.
Leith already boasts major accolades, including being named as the fourth coolest neighbourhoods in the world to live in by Time Out Magazine in 2021.
The winner of UK Town of Culture 2028 will receive a £3m grant to deliver a cultural programme of events lasting around six months, while two other finalists will receive £250,000 to help deliver elements of their bid.
Leith faces competition in its bid for UK Town of Culture 2028, as two other Midlothian towns have also submitted bids.
Both Dalkeith and Penicuik have also submitted applications to the competition.
Penicuik was the first town to declare its interest in submitting a community-led application, however Midlothian Council confirmed that it has selected Dalkeith as their official candidate town.
Midlothian Council has said that it will support both bids equally.
It was also confirmed that North Berwick in East Lothian has submitted an application to be considered for UK Town of Culture 2028, with Dunbar and Haddington having previously considered bids.
Other towns in the UK which have submitted bids include Kettering, Rochdale, Bury St Edmunds and Dumfries.
The UK Town of Culture 2028 shortlist is expected to be announced later this year.