The Scottish Arts Council (SAC) has expressed its disappointment that the Inverness bid for City of Culture has failed to make the short list for the next stage. One of the partners to the city’s bid to host the European title, the SAC has previously expressed great confidence in the proposals for Inverness 2008. 'The bid was an outstanding opportunity to bring a 21st Century perspective to the traditional culture of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, one which would have been embraced by an international audience,' said Director of the SAC, Graham Berry. Despite the disappointment, Berry has indicated that the SAC is keen to see progress towards a conference proposed by the Highland Council. The Conference, which will take place in Inverness early next year, will take a fundamental look at improving access to culture in the Highlands and other parts of Scotland. 'These are genuine achievements of the bid process and should not be overlooked. Culture can, and should, be celebrated every day, as Inverness has so vigorously demonstrated,' he added.