PERTH 2021 Top level backing as Society supports bid
City of Culture move gets RSGS endorsement
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society has announced it will support Perth’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 status
The 130-year-old society, based in North Port’s Fair Maid’s House, has been based in Perth since 1884, and prides itself as a leader in promoting geographical education, research and exploration.
RSGS, which has more than 2500 members across the country, aims to raise awareness of the range of geographical sciences available to explore and further people’s understanding of modern geographical threats.
Chief executive Mike Robinson said: “As the geographical heart of Scotland, it is only fitting that Perth be considered for city of culture status, and I applaud the ambition and vision behind this proposal.
“RSGS and its members have a long association with Perth dating from famous names like Patrick Geddes – the first to coin the phrase ‘think global, act local’ and a council member of RSGS at the time – in the late 1880s onwards.
“With our visitor centre one of Perth’s most iconic buildings, and with our incredible collections and vast array of local maps and historical artefacts, we believe we can help play a role in promoting the cultural heritage of the city.
“As a modern, dynamic education institution we also look forward to helping to define and deliver an inspiring future for the city - building on the incredible environment, quality of life and active lifestyles that are so much part of Perth’s wider culture.”
The RSGS now joins a host of other prominent organisations backing Perth’s bid, including SSE, Stagecoach, YoungScot and Gleneagles Hotel.
Perth and Kinross Council Provost Liz Grant welcomed the news.
She declared: “It’s wonderful that the Royal Scottish Geographical Society has offered us its support for Perth 2021.
“The RSGS has its headquarters in Perth and it has many strong links with the area.
“One of the most important selling points of Perth as a future City of Culture is its place as the geographical heart of Scotland, so I think it’s fitting that the RSGS bases itself here.
“I was encouraged when the society opened its new visitor centre just behind Perth Concert Hall in 2011.
“Fair Maid’s House is run entirely by volunteers and they offer residents and visitors touring exhibitions.
Just like the wider organisation, they inform all ages on the important geographical issues that are facing Scotland and the world today.
“I welcome their support and I hope RSGS and Perth 2021 can find opportunities to work with each other going forward with the bid.” Robinson RSGS chief executive Mike
We look forward to delivering an inspiring future for the city . . .