Pre-emptive investment claims are now clarified

The Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA) has clarified a claim it pumped £100m into the Scottish economy last year after it emerged it had counted Perth’s £30m Mill Quarter project among its supposed successes - even though the project is still to get off the ground.

In a press release SCA published on January 6 this year, it claimed to have had“another hugely successful year”with “more than £100m invested into the seven cities through its exciting programme of work to date”.

However, on closer inspection of the submission release, the PA spotted the £100m claim included“the £30m Mill Quarter project in the centre of Perth”.

Counting that £30m, along with £80m apparently invested in Dundee Waterfront, the missive went on to state: “We’ve brought more than £100m into the Scottish economy, with the promise of much more to come as the hard work behind the scenes of the many strands of the Alliance comes to fruition.”

Keith Brown, the Scottish Governent’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, was even quoted in the“festive”press release, saying: “This has proven to be a landmark year for the SCA, with more than £100m invested into our cities through the programme of work to date to make our cities smarter, greener and more productive.”

Clarifying the £30/£100m claim Edinburgh councillor Andrew Burns, who is chair of the SCA, told the PA:“Working collaboratively, the Alliance is promoting the benefits of investing in Scotland’s cities to an international audience via our online Pitch Book and we hope to add to the success of the Mill Quarter development in Perth.

“In relation to the Mill Quarter project, the £30m refers to the developer’s estimated value of the development in terms of investment including construction, fitting out and financing. This investment will bring economic benefits in terms of jobs, Gross Value Added (GVA) and additional tax income.”