Plans to put Dundee forward for the European Capital of Culture title could be in jeopardy due to Britain’s decision to vote for Brexit.
A verdict was set to be reached this month on whether the city would nominate itself for the 2023 bid but, following June’s momentous referendum result, there are now questions over any city from Britain even being able to enter the competition at all.
Despite the potential setback, those who were working behind the scenes on Dundee’s attempts to improve culture are now in the process of creating a back-up plan, should the city be excluded from entering in 2023.
The group still aims to bring “big events” to the city regardless of whether they can enter the running or not.
Bryan Beattie, director of Creative Services Scotland, said: “The short answer is no, we don’t know what is going to happen now.
“We don’t know if anyone from the UK will be eligible to be part of it because of the Brexit vote.
“However, we’re still planning as if the competition is going ahead.
“We can’t just stop until we’re told for definite.
“We’ve also got to prepare for not being able to enter and that’s why we are also looking at what we can do to attract some big events over the next 10 years.”
Due to the complexities of putting a bid together, Mr Beattie said he hoped a decision on whether they can enter would be made soon.
He said: “I would think a decision will be made next year, because I think the EU realises that we need to start getting to work soon to be ready for 2023.”
The year 2023 was designated for a UK city to hold the European title, with Leeds and Cardiff also emerging as frontrunners, but both cities are also thought to be facing the same uncertainty as Dundee due to Brexit.
Mr Beattie said there may also be the potential of Dundee running for a “parallel” culture title alongside the European Capital of Culture one.
He added: “All the UK cities are in the same boat as us in terms of the uncertainty.
“There have been exceptions in the past, though.
“Norway was included once, so there are some precedents for a parallel Capital of Culture.”