Good luck Dundee, you deserve this.

Going up against Leicester, Hull and Swansea Bay for the title of UK City of Culture 2017, Dundee will sweep to victory if there is any justice. Is that the voice of bias? Perhaps a little, but there is no denying the city's stunning cultural offering, including the Dundee Rep, Dundee Contemporary Arts and the epic new V&A currently under construction. Winning the title is expected to bring £80 million to the local economy and create 1000 jobs, which will only add to the buzz in this already exciting and innovative corner of Scotland.

Titles that highlight a city's cultural status, whether on the national, European or international level, can have a transformative effect on a city's self-confidence.

Glasgow succeeded in becoming the European Capital of Culture in 1990, a title that helped the city to throw off its image as an industrial city in decline. A study commissioned by Glasgow City Council last year found that, in the years since, the creative industries in Glasgow have gone from strength to strength. Now we trust it will be Dundee's turn to enjoy the benefits of national recognition.