Scottish novelist, playwright and short story writer
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to develop full bids, with the winner receiving £3 million to host a year‑long cultural programme in 2028; runners‑up receive £250,000 each. The shortlist includes Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham. The decision will be made by an independent panel early next year.
Scottish government has approved a hostel project converting four Category A-listed townhouses on Atholl Crescent into capsule pods, despite more than 280 objections. Campaigners warn this sets a precedent for high-density tourist development in Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, while authorities say it preserves housing and services for locals.