THE theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh has backed an ambitious bid for the Highlands to have its name in lights as European capital of culture in 2008.
The West End producer of hits such as Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and Cats will announce formally that he is to be patron of the campaign next week on his return from New York, where he is presenting the Royal National Theatre’s production of O
klahoma.
He said: "I am honoured to have been invited to be patron of this exciting bid.
"Inverness and the Highlands have outstanding assets in culture, heritage and the environment and must have excellent prospects for success."
He leads a growing cast of supporters of the bid, which will add the name of Jack McConnell on Monday when the First Minister officially announces his support at the Highlands and Islands Convention in Skye.
The bid by Inverness and the Highlands is Scotland’s sole representation in the contest and already has backing from Helen Liddell, the Scottish Secretary, all of the area’s MPs and 16 public agencies.
But as Sir Cameron’s backing was unveiled yesterday at a Highland Council meeting, some councillors said they were sceptical of the money it will cost to promote the bid and the quality of the proposed programme, which one described as "nothing short of embarrassing".
The InvernessHighland2008 bid has to be submitted to the government by the 31 March deadline and a shortlist will be drawn up by October. The area will be competing against the likes of Bristol, Belfast, Norwich, Canterbury and a group of London boroughs for the title.
It is expected the bid will cost £340,000, with £160,000 having already been spent, but independent consultants say winning the title would mean the area gaining up to 8,600 jobs and £233 million in increased visitor spending.
Bruce Robertson, the council’s director of education, culture and sport, said the bid identifies scope to link new building projects, worth £61 million.
This includes an extension to the Eden Court Theatre, new sports facilities and libraries, a Highland football academy, arts projects at various locations and a £20 million cultural quarter in the heart of Inverness.
Events proposed for 2008 include a major rock concert in Inverness, mid-winter festivals and an artists-in-residence programme.
Views on the bid were mixed yesterday.
Bill Smith, the Provost of Inverness, said: "This will not solve all the problems of the Highlands, but it will highlight the diverse culture of the area and enhance existing events."
Sandy Park, the Provost of Nairn, added: "Even if we get shortlisted we should take this opportunity to promote the Highlands. It is the best opportunity we have had in years."
But Councillor Garry Coutts said detailed estimates of the cost of the bid have not been revealed and the programme lacked ambition, creativity and excitement.
"I want to be positive but we need a redesign of the events programme, which is nothing short of embarrassing," he said.
Councillor Bill Fulton said the city was underselling itself: "I was looking for the haggis rolling, welly-boot throwing and porridge-eating events - as that is the standard we have here."
