Leith, an area in Edinburgh located north of the city centre, is in the running to be voted the UK’s first Town of Culture.
In July 2026, it was announced that it was one of 15 finalists considered for the 2028 award.
Regarding the opportunity, one student said: “It makes me proud to go to the university knowing that it is being recognised for its culture.”
However, another told The Student: “I don’t know if I would choose Leith out of all the places in Edinburgh.”
In the bid to be named UK’s Town of Culture, the Leith Imaginarium has opened a creative space where people can contribute what they love about Leith. This became an illustrated map including “hidden gems” and “places with potential.”
However, other finalists considered for the first UK Town of Culture include Lerwick, Great Yarmouth, Basildon, and Rotheram.
Each of these shortlisted towns was given £60,000 to develop their bids, with the winner getting £3m to develop programmes for art and culture.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said that this prize money will “help encourage increased local investment.”
On Thursday 29 October, television producer and chair of the Town of Culture judging panel, Sir Phillip Redmond visited Leith.
Redmond said: “This is an informal trip by me to visit all 15 towns.”
His visit included stops at Leith Academy, Coburg Studios, Easter Road, Fingal, and Leith Theatre.
When asked if they thought Leith would win UK Town of Culture 2028, one student said: “It definitely should win.
“There are old bits, new bits, and something for everyone.”
Another commented: “I don’t know if it should win or will win, but I believe it is deserving of being a finalist.”
Photo by Albane Mbow for The Student.
