Could Aberdeen host Eurovision 2023?
Six of the cities SNP politicians have wrote to the BBC
Aberdeen MPs and MSPs are calling for the BBC to host Eurovision at Scotland's largest indoor entertainment venue, TECA.
Despite Ukraine pipping the UK to top spot in this years song contest, the organiser of the announced that next year's event cannot be held in Ukraine due to Russia's ongoing invasion of the country.
The BBC are now in talks to host the 2023 edition in the UK.
Glasgow's OVO Hydro was touted as a potential venue, however the larger P&J Live in Aberdeen has been put forward by SNP politicians in the region.
A letter to the BBC's Chief Executive, Tim Davie, reads: "We are writing to you to consider Aberdeen as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
"Following the news that the BBC has been approached by the European Broadcasting Union to discuss hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, we believe that Aberdeen is perfectly placed in terms of infrastructure, cultural offering and sheer enthusiasm to hold the event.
"Aberdeen is home to Scotland’s largest Event Complex, P&J Live, which is as modern as they come having opened in 2019 and, as you will know, the venue previously welcomed the BBC for the Sports Personality of the Year awards which was a massive success.
"At a capacity of 15,000 and surrounded by hotels, P&J Live is just 2 miles from Aberdeen International Airport and minutes away from our city centre where you will find one of Europe’s ancient universities, a vast number of restaurants and bars, multiple theatres, hotels, an award winning art gallery and a stunning beach front.
"With minds focussed on the climate emergency, Aberdeen aspires to be the Net Zero capital of Europe and the city has hosted Europe’s premier energy conference, Offshore Europe, for decades, bringing people from across the world together, just like Eurovision.
"All of us wish Ukraine was in a position to host the contest next year, but we feel very strongly that Aberdeen can deliver a show that will match any city in the world.
"We urge you to consider Aberdeen as host venue for Eurovision 2023 and look forward to hearing from you in due course."
The letter was signed off by Kevin Stewart MSP, Audrey Nicoll MSP, Steven Flynn MP, Jackie Dunbar MSP, Kirsty Blackman MP and Richard Thomson MP.