18 Dec 2000
Award will boost city, says Scottish Secretary
Inverness could receive a major economic boost thanks to its successful bid for Millennium city status, Scottish Secretary John Reid said today.
And the granting of city status will raise the highland capital’s profile nationally and internationally, says the Scots Secretary.
Announcing the news in Inverness, on the day that Her Majesty the Queen designated it one of three UK cities to mark the Millennium, Mr Reid, said:
"I am delighted to be here in Inverness on this exciting day. I know that Highland Council, local MPs and many others worked hard to make a case for receiving city status. When I visited Inverness 18 months ago there was a real buzz about the Millennium City competition, and I am pleased that the efforts of all those involved have paid off.
"Inverness has long been known as the ‘Highland Capital’, and I hope that its new status as a city will provide a welcome boost to the economy, identity and confidence of Scotland’s newest city both in Scotland and abroad.
"While today is undoubtedly Inverness’ day, I want to pay tribute to the other Scottish towns who entered the Millennium City competition. I know from my visits to Paisley, Stirling and Ayr that the standard of their bids was high, and this is testimony to the effort and commitment put in by everyone who supported their nominations."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. Inverness is one of three Millennium cities announced today. Brighton & Hove and Wolverhampton were also granted city status by The Queen to mark the Millennium.
2. The intention of Her Majesty to mark both the Millennium and the 50thanniversary of Her accession to the throne by grants of city status was made public in the House of Commons on 27 October 1998 in answer to a Parliamentary Question.
3. The Queen has agreed to the Prime Minister’s recommendation that Her Jubilee should be marked, exceptionally, by grants of city status to a suitably qualified town in each of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom. Further details of the Golden Jubilee competition will be announced during the first half of 2001.
4. City status is a rare mark of distinction granted by the Sovereign and conferred by Letters Patent. It is granted by personal Command of the Queen, on the advice of Her Ministers.