In honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, any town or area across the UK will have the opportunity to apply for city status.
39 places have done just that, including eight in Scotland.
Applications have rolled in over the last few weeks, with the decision on who makes the cut being made in spring of 2022
The announcements will take place in June 2022.
This year marks the first time that places in British overseas territories and crown dependencies have been able to apply.
What does city status mean?
Becoming a city can bring benefits to many places, giving them a greater tourism profile and bringing in more revenue for the area.
There is no minimum population for city status. Instead the decision is made by the Queen on the advice of government ministers.
It used to be associated with having a cathedral, but that is no longer a requirement.
As a result, a wide range of places and towns are applying for city status this year.
Here are all the Scottish towns throwing their hats in the ring.
Applications have rolled in over the last few weeks, with the decision on who makes the cut being made in spring of 2022
5. Livingston, West Lothian
Located just outside of Edinburgh, Livingston's bid is part of the town's ongoing growth, having sprung up from three villages. The population currently sits at just over 57,000 but is expected to grow to 100,000 in the coming years.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
6. Oban, Argyll and Bute
Oban's bid for city status centres around the town's importance in Scottish culture and history, citing its "strategically important position on the west coast of the Highlands and Islands region" and being the "cradle of the Gaelic language".
Photo: Alan Morris
7. St Andrews, Fife
St Andrews is the second town applying for city status with the backing of Fife Council. Home to the oldest university in Scotland, St Andrews was once known as a city and now wants to reclaim that title.
Photo: JByard / Getty Images / Canva Pro
8. South Ayrshire, Ayrshire and Arran
Unusually, South Ayrshire is not a town applying for city status, but rather a council area that includes the towns of Ayr, Prestwick, Troon and Turnberry. The bid is based on the area's "rich history and heritage, fantastic community spirit, welcoming people, thriving voluntary sector, beautiful scenery, and strong ambitions for an economic and sustainable future".
Photo: Wikimedia Commons