Edinburgh takes best small city of future title

EDINBURGH's efforts to compete with major international rivals have been given a huge boost after Scotland's capital was named Europe's "best small city for the future".

The city's quality of life, economic potential and friend- liness to businesses were among the main criteria for the award, which is handed out by fDi magazine.

Edinburgh also came out on top in the best economic potential category of the competition, which takes six months to judge.

Alan Johnston, chairman of the Destination Edinburgh Marketing Alliance, said: "This is a very meaningful award and it speaks volumes that Edinburgh has retained its title.

"It carries a great deal of weight with those involved in inward investment and relocation and helps to give Edinburgh the edge, providing our business community and the city in general with a competitive advantage. That's especially important in the current climate."

Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, added: "It's a hugely impressive performance that recognises Edinburgh is a world-class capital that really punches above its weight as an investment location."

Edinburgh was named best small city in the same competition two years ago.