Clyde town (population: 1,200) eyes city status

The tiny seaside town of Milport in the Firth of Clyde could be about to launch a bid to become Britain's smallest city.

Despite having a population of just 1,200, the only town on the island of Great Cumbrae is believed to be considering applying for city status in a competition held by the Queen.

It has already missed a deadline for the current round of bids, but could make its case when the next competition is launched,

Milport has a cathedral, often seen as a key factor for city status, and residents believe a bid could help boost tourism on the island.

Patrick Boyle, whose great-great-grandfather, the Earl of Glasgow, commissioned the building of the cathderal, said: "The Cathedral of the Isles is the smallest cathedral in Britain and probably in Europe.

"Being designated as the smallest cathedral city in the country would be a tremendous marketing asset and would do wonders for the local economy.

"It's a fantastic building and I would like to see it being visited and viewed by many more people."

The latest round of bids for city status are currently being considered before the winners are announced next year to coincide with the Queen's Silver Jubilee, with Perth the only Scottish entrant.

Other areas hoping to be awarded city status include Milton Keynes, Reading, Bolton, Guildford and Bournemouth.

The last competition saw Inverness elevated to city status in 2002.