Inverness and the Highlands were on a list of a dozen locations which has now been whittled down to just six by a 12-strong committee.

Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle/Gateshead and Oxford were unveiled as the contenders by the UK Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell.

The UK's last City of Culture - Glasgow in 1990 - enjoyed a significant increase in tourism as a result of winning the title.

We asked you what the exclusion of Scotland's candidate said about the country's culture? Are our art galleries, theatres and museums keeping up with the times and other parts of the UK? Does our "culture" send out the correct messages to potential visitors? Or are we just not very good at showcasing what Scotland has to offer? This is what you said.

I think 'culture' is ridiculously overrated. I never go to the theatre or art galleries because I believe education is about learning facts. As long as people are well educated about history, politics and science then it does not matter whether they enjoy Shakespeare or Stallone (or neither) in their spare time.
Mike Donovan, UK

I do think Scotland, in general, is going through a bit of an identity crisis at the moment. Who are we? Well, if you believe the eejits in the Scottish Executive we are all racist, unhealthy, poverty stricken environmental disasters! That's what our leaders think. The truth, of course, is that Scotland has the most friendly, well-educated and humorous population on earth. Our culture is about the daily achievements of the populace, community and the family. Old fashioned values in a modern world, in other words. So, in future, can we ditch the Gaelic poseurs and the depressing politicos and show what the REAL Scotland is all about.
Gerry, Scotland

The idea of a regional bid was new to the competition and, in the end, they have stuck to the tried and tested formula.

Bill Sylvester, Inverness

The bid was never about Inverness alone. The Highlands were central to it and without both working together we wouldn't have had a case worth presenting. The idea of a regional bid was new to the competition and, in the end, they have stuck to the tried and tested formula. That doesn't make Inverness and the Highlands any less interesting and diverse a cultural field.
Bill Sylvester, Inverness

As a Brit of mixed Anglo-Scottish heritage, I can safely say that Scotland oozes culture! What other country on Earth could boast such contrasts as the beautiful Edinburgh, the serene highlands, and above all THE SCOTS?
MJ, (England) UK

Scotland's culture is so strong that it remains with people for generations and cannot be harnessed into a 'city'. That is why people like me, whose Scottish relatives left during the Clearances, still feel homesick for Scotland. I find the most tangible culture in places like Inverary and Brechin, not just the big cities.
Dawn, western Canada

Inverness is a small parochial town not a city. It is lacking completely in culture, or even an understanding of what "culture" means outside of the "Shortbread Tin" populist traditional culture it (badly) purports. Inverness lacks many things to make it a successful bidder for City of Culture. A long program of informed investment is needed to bring the town up to city standards. Having lived there for the last 5 years, it is disappointing to still see the misguided self important view of the "city" and its culture being thrust in peoples faces. Come on Inverness (and the Highlands) get a realistic grip!
Iain, Espa�a

The whole idea of culture has been taken out of context here. Culture, in its purest form, should be based upon historical phenomena and how the city or town in question embraces it. It's wrong to suggest that a city withholds a vast array of culture purely because there are many different ethnic groups residing in its vicinity. Yet again British people are being made to feel that their history means nothing as it is not deemed politically correct.
Mark, UK

The difference between Inverness and the identikit cities shortlisted is that Inverness has a unique and indigenous culture to call its own.

You have to admire the audacity and energy of the bid from one of Scotland's newest cities attempting to break the mould

John, Scotland

It may lack the firepower of a big city, but in terms of heritage and identity, it has the upper hand, although it is perhaps too small, and with insufficient transport links for such an accolade. But you have to admire the audacity and energy of the bid from one of Scotland's newest cities attempting to break the mould.
John, Scotland

If it wasnae for Scottish culture, there would be none on the rest of the planet!
Martin Bell, Canada

Inverness should certainly not qualify as the European City of Culture. I was on holiday there in August of this year and I was surprised at how parochial it was. The waiters at restaurants were stunned when I asked if there was a non-smoking section. The food was the worst I have ever had in a restaurant. As a Glaswegian currently living in Seattle perhaps I've been spoiled, but I'm adamant Inverness should make some basic changes before it attempts another bid.
Colin, USA

Celtic music and history is incredibly rich and appreciated throughout the world. The Celts are the soul of Europe, with their most pure vestiges remaining in Scotland and Ireland. Scots have immigrated to America and have had a disproportionately strong influence here on music, with bluegrass music from Appalachia a direct derivative of the Scotch/Irish who settled the region. And what about Woodrow Wilson, the visionary Scotch- American President of the US, who had such an idealistic dream of a League of Nations to bring peace to a troubled world.
Jan, U.S.

I think 'culture' is ridiculously overrated. I never go to the theatre or art galleries because I believe education is about learning facts. As long as people are well educated about history, politics and science then it does not matter whether they enjoy Shakespeare or Stallone (or neither) in their spare time.
Mike Donovan, UK

Inverness and Newcastle are both unattractive, badly planned cities. The centre of Newcastle is like a ghost town as a result of the Gateshead expansion. Why doesn't the UK try to improve its dull, grey cities before entering these competitions?
Stewart MacPhee, Scotland

I think Inverness had no chance because Glasgow was the last British city to host the event, so this time round it must go to a city in another part of the UK. Inverness shouldn't take it personally.
Mark Hannah, Scotland

Scotland is a "Country of Culture" but it only has two cities currently deserving of the "City of Culture" title - Glasgow and Edinburgh. I spent a lot of time working in Glasgow in 1990, when it held the title, and the buzz that the city had was amazing. Inverness is in a culturally rich region, but the city itself is, in my view, too parochial.
John, England

I don't think discussing whether or not Inverness has a cinema can be included as culture do you? I come from the Highlands and have lived in many other cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow and believe you me Inverness has a lot more culture than many other cities in Britain.

I agree with Martin that there is a vast history behind Inverness and some people are obviously misinterpreting the meaning of culture.
Anne W, Scotland

I think Scotland is great!
Matt, Scotland

Culture is where the heart is. Scotland has a depth of soul to make the rest of us weep. I am a heavily diluted Scot (grandparents), married to a lady who can trace her clan line back to the beginning of clan MacDonald, what a story. To even ask the question is to unintentionally insult the Scottish people. Scotland doesn't need Hollywood to tell the story just pay a visit and glory at its diversity.
R.C.Robjohn, UK

Culture is created from the actions of people which is instated into the social, economic and political production of that nation in due course. Hence, Scotland at the moment is full of cultural and religious diversity which makes it so unique. Scotland has certainly shown the international world that it is a friendly country which includes everyone, regardless of their background. It does not need a title or an award to back this as it is evident to anyone who visits any city in Scotland.
Amanullah De Sondy, Scotland

The comments from Inverness's enthusiastic supporters show why the application is a joke. Glasgow yes, but there must be several hundred smaller cities in Germany and France with a better claim.
Peter, England

Scotland has only two cities which are realistically big enough to merit this award, and one of them got this award in 1990. In general I think Scotland has a good record of promoting cultural diversity and is always open to new ideas. As a small nation we cannot always compete with larger nations who can be good at everything. We may not be good at everything but there are some things Scotland does better than anyone.
Scott, Scotland

Scotland is about as rich as you can get

Eileen, UK

I grew up in Scotland and let me tell you, it is steeped in culture! If the definition of culture is the varying ethnic diversity of its people, then we had Irish, Italian, Polish, Jewish, and Pakistani people all living in the same apartment building. If the definition is historically motivated, then Scotland is about as rich as you can get. I now live in Bristol, which I imagine is going no further in its bid. The reason being it has no sense of community. It's not only unfriendly, but proud of this fact.
Eileen, UK

Inverness? Full of culture? Have you seen the horrible concrete jungle called the town centre? One theatre and no cinema left in the middle of town now. Get real! Dingwall on a Saturday night has more real 'Scottish' culture, not the manufactured variety on display in Sneckie!
Dave, Scotland

It's obvious just looking at the cities shortlisted that culture had no relevance whatsoever - it was down to political correctness.
Ramon, Scotland

This is just another exercise in political correctness. All the named cites are only considered cultural because they include more than one culture. Having a high concentration of British culture isn't considered enough. Yet another indicator that our own culture is taken less seriously than others and is being allowed to melt away.
Rog C, UK

I hope that Newcastle/Gateshead wins the European City of Culture bid. I have a feeling the reason Inverness didn't win it this time was that Glasgow was the last British city to get the award and that perhaps the judges felt it would be a bit unfair it went to Scotland again.
Paul, Northumbria, UK

Inverness is too small...

Iain, UK

Could we have been missed out because Glasgow got the award the last time? Yes it was very impressive but required a city the size of Glasgow to support it. Inverness is too small and too far away for the majority of the UK's citizens and probably doesn't have the infrastructure to cope with a large increase in tourist numbers least of all by its road, rail and air links.
Iain, UK

Scotland has loads of culture, what a stupid question.
Rob, UK

I found the whole idea of Inverness, where I currently live, being the European City of Culture to be a joke. If you are not into all things traditionally Scottish you may find yourself at a bit of a loss as to what the cultural assets are. One small museum and one smallish theatre showing very middle of the road productions does not make the grade. Where is the equivalent of the Baltic exchange? Inverness may win a city of Scottish culture award but European? No.
J Davies, Inverness, Scotland

To say that Bristol has more to offer than Inverness is a complete sham

Martin, UK

I cannot believe that Inverness did not get in to the last six. I was born and brought up in Inverness and it is full of culture. I don't know what this committee class as cultural, but the history behind Inverness is vast. It has a very good museum and castle, Eden Court theatre has a lot of good quality shows etc. To say that Bristol has more to offer than Inverness is a complete sham. The churches & cathedral in Inverness reflect the religious side of the town and when I went up there a couple of years ago, was amazed in the growth in the city, yet it still contained the charm and slowness of life. I think the committee should learn what makes a cultural city, before being put forward for these sort of awards. Don't worry Inverness I still think of you as the cultural capital of Scotland.
Martin, UK