DUNFERMLINE'S bid team must sum up on one sheet of A4 paper just why it should be granted city status.

A national competition for the civic honour is being run to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and submissions must be in by next Wednesday (December 8).

Thankfully, while the summary is to be short and sweet, Fife Council will be able to expand on all the reasons why Dunfermline should be named a city formally by the monarch.

At the City of Dunfermline area committee on Tuesday, Councillor Helen Law said: "There’s a huge amount of work going into getting the bid ready so we’ll all be crossing our fingers for success.

“But maybe I shouldn’t be saying that because there’s been such a lot of work done on this that I really think we should be the winners.”

Entrants must submit a one-page summary, an introduction of no more than eight A4 pages of text, up to 50 photographs of permanent features, a detailed map of the main tourist, leisure and entertainment sites, the green spaces for the public and the main transport routes, and a profile of the area, with stats and tables, which can be up to 10 pages.

The application must highlight why the area deserves city status, with particular reference to distinct identity, civic pride, cultural assets, heritage and history, record of innovation and royal connections.

It's also looking for details on any residents or communities "who have made widely-recognised, significant contributions to society and culture", as well as evidence of sound governance and administration and of a vibrant, welcoming community.

It's the first opportunity in 10 years for towns to 'win' city status and St Andrews is also bidding.

Dunfermline's case will likely dwell on past and present.

It was the ancient capital of Scotland, held royal status and is the final resting place for kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce, and at present it's one of the fastest-growing towns in Europe with a £200 million education campus on the way and ambitious £10m plans for the High Street.

Many have argued that its already a city but the royal seal of approval would take away any argument and make it official.