Jo delighted with Glasgow music honour

2.27.07pm GMT Wed 20th Aug 2008

Amy MacDonald is one of the newest music stars to emerge from East Dunbartonshire

Jo Swinson has welcomed today's news that Glasgow is to be named a United Nations City of Music by UNESCO.

The award has been granted in recognition of the huge cultural and economic role played by music in Glasgow. Edinburgh became a UN City of Literature in 2004 and with this award Scotland becomes the only nation in the world to be home to two UNESCO Creative Cities.

Jo said:

"I am delighted that Glasgow's vibrant music scene and strong musical heritage has been recognised with this award. Music means a huge amount to a great many people in Glasgow and this is an award that will really resonate with the city as a whole.

"As well as being home to a first-class concert hall and two major orchestras, Glasgow has always been a hotbed of talent, from Lulu in the 1960s modern bands like Franz Ferdinand. East Dunbartonshire has certainly played its part, producing acts including Bearsden's Orange Juice and Amy MacDonald from Bishopbriggs.

"To a large extent, Glasgow's identity is shaped by the music that is produced in the city. Music and culture played an important role in forming Glasgow's image in its post-industrial years and as this award recognises, Glasgow today is well-established as a city of music.

"Following the Antonine Wall's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site last month, we have had a memorable summer for arts and heritage in this area."

A series of events to mark the award are set to take place in 2009, bringing a major boost to tourism and business in Glasgow.

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UNESCO