Positive about Perth’s future
It was certainly a disappointment to get the news a couple of weeks ago that Perth’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 was not going to be successful. I do not believe that this was any reflection on the bid that was submitted, with its innovative approach in terms of involving the rural hinterland, and the towns and villages of Perthshire.
However, this setback should not dismay all those who want to see a vibrant, dynamic economy and cultural scene across Perth and Kinross. It is exciting to see so many new initiatives coming together across the area.
Along with many other local residents, I had the pleasure of viewing the different proposals for the future of the City Hall when they were on display in the Council Chambers in June. No doubt readers of the PA who have seen them will have their own favourites, but what impressed me was the level of imagination which had gone in to the different proposals, all looking to breathe life into this iconic building.
It was only recently that folk were talking about knocking down the City Hall; as the debate has now fully moved on, and we are looking at exciting plans to transform the building into a new cultural space, and one which has the opportunity to draw into the centre of Perth a new generation of visitors.
On top of that, we have plans to transform the existing museum and art gallery, and bring back to its rightful home Scotland’s Stone of Destiny, an issue which has been dear to my heart for many years.
Elsewhere in the city, we have seen the introduction of the boats on the River Tay, utilising what has been a neglected asset right at the heart of our community. The riverside setting of Perth should be the envy of cities across Europe, yet for too long we seem to have turned our back on the Tay and ignored its potential. Projects such as the lighting of the Norie-Miller Park show what can be done to bring people to the riverside, and benefit the wider economy.
It has been good, too, to see new retailers taking up empty space, in addition to the efforts by our existing independent traders to promote Perth as a place to shop.
There is still progress to be made in this area, and I know that this is one of the top priorities for the new Conservative-led administration on Perth and Kinross Council.
Last week I met with representatives of the Charterhouse Project, looking for the burial place of King James I, an initiative which is already capturing the imagination. And on top of all this, we have the Tay Cities Deal which I know that new UK Minister Ian Duncan is keen to see progressed, and will bring real benefits to the area.
So Perth may not be the UK’s City of Culture 2021, but there is still a host of exciting initiatives that we should be getting behind, as we look to the future with optimism.
Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from constituents. He can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email on murdo. fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by telephone on 01738 553676. Murdo says the River Tay could be a key asset. Its riverside Norie-Miller lights was a hit