GLASGOW's ambitious bid to land the new national headquarters of Channel 4 has received fulsome backing from its traditional rival, Edinburgh.
The nation's capital is backing the Glasgow's bid to site the new HQ of the broadcaster, with its council leader saying it will be a "perfect fit".
Adam McVey said he believes that the whole of Scotland would benefit from a successful Glasgow bid.
The backing of Edinburgh will, it is believed, be "hugely important" to the city's bid, as it will underline the wider benefits of siting the studio in Glasgow.
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Glasgow's bid team is currently putting together its 5000-word bid document, which it has to submit to the broadcaster by May 11.
Edinburgh, with a thriving arts and festival scene, attractive and world-famous urban landscape and strong national transport links, could of have its own case for bidding for the channel's base, but has thrown its weight behind the Glasgow bid.
The capital's leadership believe Glasgow's arts scene and creative industries "set it apart from rival bids."
Adam McVey, the leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "We are putting our well-documented ‘rivalry’ to one side and getting right behind this bid.
"Glasgow would be the perfect fit for Channel 4 – and vice versa.
"It’s already home to BBC Scotland and STV, and the city boasts the production infrastructure and pool of talent needed for such a move. Not to mention the bids best feature - being 45 minutes along the road from Edinburgh!"
He added: "Its thriving contemporary arts scene and innovative creative industries set it apart from rival bids, while Scotland’s arts and culture status, driven by the capital’s success, as the home of festivals would surely provide Channel 4 with unprecedented access to the world-class events taking place on its new doorstop.”
Depute Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “This is an audacious challenge to bring Channel 4’s new headquarters north of the border – and we’re right behind it.
"If successful, it would provide a major boost not just for Glasgow, but for the whole of Scotland.
"The nation’s entire creative sector would benefit, building on recent successes in attracting blockbuster movie productions alongside ambitious plans for a new film studio.
"This is a unique and hugely exciting opportunity and one deserving of Scotland’s capital City’s support.”
Edinburgh's council is a coalition of the SNP, led by Mr McVey, and Labour, led by Cammy Day - Glasgow is an SNP administration led by Susan Aitken.
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Glasgow is facing competition from cities in England, notably Birmingham, as well as Bristol and Manchester, as well as Cardiff in Wales.
Last week Channel 4 executives said that its ideal site for the new national HQ should be within three hours of London, but Glasgow's team remains confident of its case for landing the facility, which will include a studio as well as commissioning powers.
Train journeys to and from London to Glasgow last longer than three hours but the Glasgow bid will emphasise the proximity of Glasgow International Airport as well as other air links.
Several sites in Glasgow are already being appraised for the potential studio.
Stuart Cosgrove, the chair of Glasgow's Channel 4 bid, hailed Edinburgh’s backing for its traditional west coast rival.
He said: “Edinburgh is a fantastic city with its own world-class reputation for art and culture; so having its backing for Glasgow’s bold, innovative bid is hugely important.
“Edinburgh’s support demonstrates the belief in Glasgow that exists across the country and the industry.
"People who know this city and this business also know Glasgow is made for Channel 4.
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“It is also a reminder that Glasgow has rich cultural, social and physical links in the UK and beyond that are hard to beat."
The May 11 deadline will be shortly followed by a key date on May 30, when cities are told which bid has made the short list.
From 11 to 20 June, the short listed cities will make presentations with visits from the Channel 4 leaders.
The eventual winner of the national HQ will be announced in October.
Channel 4 are creating two other hubs as well as the national HQ: these will not include studio complexes but will have commissioning powers.
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