A BID for South Ayrshire to be designated as a city ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year has officially been submitted.

As part of the celebrations a competition was opened up to all local authorities in the United Kingdom to apply for the chance to be designated a city. 

And South Ayrshire Council has confirmed that its application has been sent for consideration.

If successful, there would not necessarily be any obvious changes, the conferment of city status being more symbolic than anything.

The benefits are thought to be more to do with the status the area would enjoy as being recognised as a city.

South Ayrshire Council (SAC) says the bid is based on "our rich history and heritage, fantastic community spirit, welcoming people, thriving voluntary sector, beautiful scenery, and strong ambitions for an economic and sustainable future". 

They say that city status would help recognise South Ayrshire as an area to live, visit, work and invest in.  

Councillor William Grant, chair of the working group which has drawn up the plan, said: “I’m delighted with South Ayrshire’s bid for City Status. It really highlights many of the fantastic things that we have to offer.

“The competition rules mean that only local authorities can submit bids on behalf of areas, but the support we have received for a South Ayrshire bid from local businesses and groups has been overwhelming. 

"I’d like to extend my thanks to all those who have taken time to submit statements in support of this application.”

The proposals have the support of hospitality group Buzzworks, who have multiple venues in South Ayrshire including Lido Prestwick, Lido Troon, Scotts Troon, and others.

Buzzworks' owner and managing director, Kenny Blair, says in the SAC application brochure: “Ayr is a fourishing town with a colourful history and achieving City Status could bring benefts for all those living, working, and visiting the area. City Status could be a powerful tool used to protect its present and future development.”

The proposals also have the support of swimming legend Duncan Scott, fresh from the Tokyo Olympics, where he became the UK's most decorated athlete at a single Olympics.

He said: “As a proud west coaster, my swimming journey began in South Ayrshire, where not only did I frst learn to swim, but where I also joined my frst swimming club.

"The encouragement of my teachers and coaches, as well as the pool facilities, have all played a signifcant part in my swimming career to date, which has seen me become the UK’s most decorated Olympian from a single Olympic Games.

"As the Ambassador for Learn to Swim in Scotland I have returned to my roots on a number of occasions and am delighted to see the enthusiasm and passion to teach and develop the next generation, alongside some great swimming facilities, remains at the heart of those in South Ayrshire and I am backing the bid for City Status to be achieved.”

The closing date for applications is today (Wednesday, December 8) and the winners will be announced in 2022.

Councillor Peter Henderson, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in creating this great City Status bid. We are passionate about shining a light on the area as a destination of choice to live, work, visit and invest in.

“City Status would really help to put South Ayrshire well and truly on the map. While we know that competition will be stiff, I think South Ayrshire has what it takes to be worthy of this rare honour.”

There are currently seven cities in Scotland: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and Stirling.

The council's city bid brochure can be viewed here.