Leithers unite and proclaim why we should be UK Town of Culture

Slightly giddy to discover that Leith’s made it on the shortlist for ‘Town of Culture 2028’. Not remotely surprised. We are hoaching with the stuff down here, although some of it might not fit the literal definition of culture.

The Kirkgate alone is virtually a promenade live theatre piece all of its own. Only last week, a shirtless chap was standing outside Lidl bellowing ‘Stella. STELLA’.

I chose to view this as a tribute to Tennessee Williams ‘magnificent play, ‘A Streetcar named Desire’, and not, as I suspect, one of Leith's more pungent son’s anguished discovery that his swally had been choried whilst he wasn’t looking.

That aside, you want live music, good bookshops and outstanding restaurants, then come on down to The Shore and fill your boots.

There are those who sneer at initiatives like Town of Culture, but away with you, I say. If it brings a bit of money down to the Republic, then I’m all for it. If it gives some youngsters a foot onto the career ladder, even better. And if it bolsters a sense of pride in Leith, then let’s get this deal done.

We’re up against the likes of Port Talbot and Corby. I sense danger here. The brilliant actor Michail Sheen comes from Port Talbot. He might come swinging in on their bid bringing in a bit of the old star power. We might have to pull in a pair of Proclaimers and Mark Bonnar. Corby must have something, but I haven’t found it yet. Very sneaky of them.

If you’ve got suggestions for the team leading the bid, they’d like to hear from you. Cut along to Ocean Terminal where the team from Town of Culture have set up in the Wee Museum of Memory on Sunday October 25 from 12 till 4.

You’ll get the chance to tell the team your favourite Leith haunts, where you’d like to see a bit of TLC being lavished and you’ll even get to be ‘Mayor of Leith’ for a moment or two.

C’mon, Leithers, let’s get this bid won. Can’t be tanked by Corby…