Reform UK's New Scottish Leader Boosts Local Campaigns

It's April 2nd.

Welcome in.

This is Edinburgh News Today, where local news meets AI.

I'm Corey with the story.

Three towns in East Lothian are throwing their hats in the ring for the UK's first-ever

town of culture title in 2028.

North Burwick, Dunbar, and Haddington each submitted their own bids just before the March

31st deadline.

The winner gets more than 3 million pounds in investment, plus a year of arts programs

and nationwide spotlight.

These bids came straight from grassroots groups and community councils, skipping the local

East Lothian Council entirely.

That's a fresh twist, showing real community drive without top-down help.

The prize follows the big success of the UK City of Culture Model, announced by the government

earlier this year.

Locals are buzzing with excitement.

In Dunbar, folks highlight their rugged coast, John Muirtais, and volunteer festivals.

South Burwick boasts its seaside rep, literary legends, and top rankings as best place to

live, Haddington leans on its historic market vibe and farm routes.

Everyone sees huge potential for cultural boosts and youth outreach.

The council stayed out but cheered the effort, saying it spotlights the area's history and

events.

Other spots like Leith, PenaQuick, and Dalkeeth jumped in too.

Right now, it's just expressions of interest, with a long list of about 80 towns dropping

this spring from the culture department.

Next up, the winner drops early 2027, promising big changes whoever takes it.

These rival bids already got folks talking, building pride and plans that could stick

around no matter what.