Euro 2008 bid shortlists four groups

Four consultancies have been shortlisted for a second round pitch to create the supporting documentation for Scotland’s bid to host the European Football Championships in 2008.

Elmwood, Redpath, Navy Blue and Graphic Partners are through to the second stage following credentials presentations. They received a design brief on Monday and will take part in a creative pitch later this month. An appointment will be made by the beginning of December.

The bid’s marketing director Simon Lyons refuses to confirm the design budget. However, the creation of the supporting document for England’s bid to host the World Cup in 2006 was thought to have been a £200 000-plus job. The European project is likely to be smaller.

Two separate documents will present details of the bid. Part one will detail Scotland’s ability to host the tournament and its logistical capabilities.

The second part of the bid will focus on the emotions that are associated with Scottish football and the development of the core proposition.

‘It’s up to the groups to come up with responses to the brief, but the first document will need to be laid out really well. The second document will need lots of images and icons to support it,’ says Lyons.

The Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Executive and UK Sport are behind the Euro 2008 proposal. Scotland will need to build at least two 30 000-seater stadium to meet European football’s governing body Uefa’s criteria for hosting the event.