Stirling Council Leader Scott Farmer and Convener of the Community Planning and Re-generation Committee, Cllr Chris Kane, put the city’s case forward last week, along with representatives from leading partners Volunteer Scotland and Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise.
They made their pitch at the Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU – given Danish city Aarhus is the current holder of the accolade – along with the rival bid from Italian city, Padua.
It came in the form of a seven-minute presentation to delegates from across the continent and a five-minute video, viewed only by the judges.
The winner will be announced in December and if successful, Stirling would become the first Scottish city to achieve the honour. Previous winners include Barcelona, Lisbon and London.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Farmer said: “Our presentation was powerful and very well received by those in attendance, and it was heartening to hear such positive feedback from delegates.
“Volunteering is already at fantastic levels in Stirling, but we showed the judges that we are ambitious to do so much more, ensuring the city is a place where it’s the norm to volunteer, providing a beacon of inspiration across the continent.
“2020 is already going to be a festival of volunteering in Stirling but this accolade really would be the icing on the cake, and we returned home feeling positive about our chances.
“A huge thanks to all the team at Stirling Council, Volunteer Scotland and Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise for their excellent work in putting the presentation together.”
Convener of the Community Planning and Re-generation Committee, Cllr Chris Kane said: “Both Padoa and Stirling gave excellent presentations on the night and have given the judges a hard decision to make.
“Stirling already has an incredible year in the planning for 2020, with a wide programme of events and a bold vision to increase the number of our citizens volunteering from one third to one half.
“Being named Volunteering Capital of Europe would give us a platform to do even more and to engage with volunteers across the continent.
“Having the opportunity to present Stirling to a European audience not only as a champion of volunteering, but as a welcoming city rich in heritage and culture, should also provide a shot in the arm to both tourism across the area.”
More than 120 local and national organisations have already backed Stirling’s bid, including the Scottish Government.
Stirling’s candidacy was officially announced by the European Volunteer Centre on Monday July 2. The competition recognises regions which offer outstanding support for volunteers.
Danish city Aarhus is the current title-holder and will be succeeded by the Slovakian city of Kosice in 2019.
Note: Picture shows (back, from left) Councillor Chris Kane, George Thomson, Volunteer Scotland CEO; Councillor Scott Farmer; (front , from left) Margaret Starkie, Volunteer Scotland Strategic Performance Coordinator; Lisa Seibold, Volunteer Scotland Intern; Natalie Masterson, Chief Executive of Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise.