Tayside and Fife is shaping up to be a key battleground in the fight to host the national headquarters of the new state-owned Great British Railways.
Three of the four local authorities in the region have indicated they are considering a bid to host the new HQ.
Fife Council chief executive Steve Grimmond confirmed Fife Council is exploring whether Kincardine should be put forward for consideration in mid February.
We can now reveal Dundee City Council officials are also “likely” to submit a bid.
While Perth politicians also harbour ambitions to bring the sought-after rail HQ to Perth.
Towns and cities across Scotland and the rest of the UK have been invited to apply to become the new home of the organisation, which will replace Network Rail from 2023.
The UK Government has confirmed the central hub will be based outside London, with a number of new regional bases created across the country.
The successful location is expected to benefit from an influx of high-skilled jobs and investment when the new public body gets up and running.
Who supports the Perth GBR HQ bid?
Two Perthshire councillors are due to submit a motion calling on the council to back a bid to base the new organisation in Perth.
Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey will propose the Perthshire motion at a council meeting on February 23.
Mr Bailey said: “After filing the motion, I read in The Courier that Fife are also considering putting in a bid.
“It’s great to see that our enthusiasm for hosting this headquarters in Scotland is mirrored over the water in Fife, but I’m going to continue to back the Perth bid due to Perth’s significantly more strategic location on the rail network.”
His Independent colleague Xander McDade also believes Perth has the edge over Dundee.
“This is a real opportunity for the headquarters of a UK Government agency to be based here in Perth and bring with it high quality well paid jobs and significant inward investment for our city.
“I’m sure Perth’s rich railway history and our strategically central location give us the a stronger case than our neighbours in Dundee.
“I hope that there will be unanimous support from the council so we can make the strongest possible case.”
Fife’s Kincardine also a contender
Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman is supporting the Fife bid.
He said: “These are exciting times for Kincardine, with schemes such as the regeneration project set to transform the town.
“The chance to host the Great British Railways HQ is an exciting opportunity.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps launched the search for a new headquarters with a video featuring broadcaster and former politician Michael Portillo.
In the advert, Mr Portillo runs through a number of possible locations for the new office, including Dundee.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of this opportunity as it has been presented and are looking closely at the details.
“While a final decision has not yet been made, it is likely that the council will submit a bid.”
A PKC spokesperson said the administration is “always committed to investment and economic development opportunities coming to Perth.”
She said elected members would decide on the motion on Wednesday.
An Angus Council spokeswoman said: “It’s not currently our intention to put in a bid.”
