The Highland Council has appointed Bryan Beattie as Bid Director for the Inverness Highland campaign to become UK City of Culture 2029.
The appointment marks a major step forward for the region wide bid which aims to showcase the culture, creativity, language and communities of the Highlands on a national stage.
The Highland Council described the bid as a once in a generation opportunity to reshape how Inverness and the Highlands are viewed across the UK.
Bill Lobban said:
“I congratulate Bryan Beattie on his appointment to direct this once in a generation opportunity to celebrate the strength and diversity of culture across the region and reshape how Inverness and the Highlands are seen, through a year long programme rooted in contemporary creativity, energy, landscape, language and welcome.”
Beattie brings more than three decades of experience in cultural leadership and strategy to the role.
He previously worked as creative director for the Inverness Castle Experience and interim chief executive at Eden Court Theatre.
He has also advised two culture ministers, worked with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and previously chaired both Fèis Rois and Scottish Youth Theatre.
Originally from Dundee, Beattie also led Dundee’s bid for UK City of Culture in 2013 and said he was excited to help shape a Highland focused approach to the competition.
He said:
“The UK Capital of Culture designation is transformational for winners and would be a catalyst for investment in culture, community and connectivity across the whole region.
“We’ll tell a very different kind of Capital of Culture story, one rooted in place and community, in Gaelic and in the land, in the creative energy that already exists here rather than something imported from outside.
“As Director, my role will be to bring together the ideas and enthusiasm from as many people and organisations as possible, and to build a bid that local communities feel proud of and part of.”
The Inverness Highland bid is believed to be the first region wide City of Culture proposal rather than one focused solely on a single urban centre.
Supporters say the bid offers an opportunity to demonstrate how culture thrives across rural and island communities while helping attract investment, strengthen partnerships and support long term economic and social development.
The Highland Council also confirmed it will act as the accountable body for the bid with responsibility for funding and oversight.
A Bid Partnership Board will now be created bringing together representatives from local communities, culture, business, education and partner organisations.
A dedicated delivery team led by Beattie will also be established alongside a cultural assembly designed to involve local voices in shaping the bid.
Work on the final application will continue throughout the summer ahead of submission in August with a shortlist expected later in the year.
