Dundee has made the shortlist for the UK City of Culture in 2017 but east coast rival Aberdeen is out of the running.
It will now compete against Hull, Leicester and Swansea Bay in the final run-in for the prestigious prize.
The only other Scottish entry, that of Aberdeen, failed to make the shortlist after a total of 11 bids were considered by an independent advisory panel chaired by Phil Redmond.
However, it looks like Dundee has ground to make up if it hopes to claim the prize after bookies installed Swansea as the favourite.
William Hill make Swansea their 2/1 narrow favourite to win the coveted accolade. Leicester is 9/4, Hull 11/4 and Dundee is the 7/2 outsider.
“The shortlist is very strong and all four are very much in with a chance,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams. “Swansea has been the best backed and starts as our favourite but the betting is very close.”
The other failed contenders were Chester, East Kent, Hastings and Bexhill on Sea, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, and Southend-on-Sea.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: “I want to congratulate the four shortlisted cities who have made it this far, and indeed all 11 cities who put time and great effort into submitting bids.
“The events in Derry-Londonderry over recent weeks highlight just how much of an impact being ‘City of Culture’ can have.
“It brings together communities, encourages economic growth, and inspires social change and the shortlisted cities should be very proud of the bids they have put together so far.”
Mr Redmond added: “It was incredibly difficult to decide on a shortlist as all the bids recognised the power of culture to bring about social change and offered innovative and interesting programmes.
“In the end the panel thought the four short listed cities offered plans that were ambitious, realistic and would not only deliver for their communities, but would also maintain the momentum created around the success of Derry-Londonderry.”
Southend’s failure will be a particular disappointment for Tory MP David Amess.
Mr Amess (60), who represents Southend West, reportedly said: “I have looked at some of the competition and frankly they are absolute dumps some of them.
“I better not say more because I’ll get into trouble, but I really think it is Southend which jumps out.”
For full reaction to the announcement, see Thursday’s Courier or try our digital edition.