Dundee City of Culture team inspired by Michael Marra

Dundee’s UK City of Culture 2017 bid has been dedicated to singer-songwriter and artist Michael Marra.

The six-strong bid team head for Derry on Wednesday to prepare for a presentation to the judges on Thursday, with the memory of the “Dundee bard” as its inspiration.

The Marra family are delighted with the dedication, which has been revealed just over a year after Michael’s sad death.

Michael’s widow Peggie said: “We are very touched to hear that the authors of the UK City of Culture bid were inspired by Michael’s work as Dundee and her people were always his greatest inspiration.

“We would not think of this as a dedication. This is a title that the people of Dundee deserve for their creativity and wonderful spirit. It is dedicated to them.

“Michael very much believed in the power of music, art and culture to change lives for the better.”

Peggie added: “The Optimistic Sound campaign to bring a Sistema Big Noise orchestra to Dundee can help to do that.

“We hope to see that orchestra playing in Dundee UK City of Culture in 2017.”

The City of Culture judging panel will announce the winner on November 20.