A Dundee councillor who has spent ten years campaigning for a Hogmanay street party is still hopeful the event will happen – if the council can recruit some younger leaders.
The city has recently been awarded a cash boost for smaller scale, non-commercial new year celebrations.
Community and cultural groups are being urged to apply for the funding, which ranges between £500 and £3000.
Councillor Jimmy Black has welcomed the funding, but reiterated his hopes for a larger outdoor event in the future.
He said: “The current grants are for smaller projects – the idea is for communities to organise celebrations in their own area.
“It doesn’t have to be on actual Hogmanay, the celebrations can be a few days before or after.
“People just have to use their imagination and think of things that would brighten up the winter season – it’s great for communities to have something to look forward to when the weather is miserable.
“It is odd that Dundee doesn’t have a street party.
“I’ve been calling for this for the past ten years, but my colleagues at the council have not been keen.
“I think it might take an injection of younger councillors for the street party to happen, people who would appreciate the benefits of a good party rather than old codgers like me.
“The new waterfront is a great opportunity for an outdoor party, somewhere like the Slessor Gardens would be a good location.
“Certainly I think if Dundee wins European City of Culture then a big Hogmanay party is in order.
“If the people of Dundee want the street party to happen then they need to keep campaigning.”
The latest funding is being allocated through the Common Good Fund and the deadline for applications is September 30.
The celebrations should take place between December 30 and January 3.
To apply, download the form here.
