Celebrating Perth’s rich past - and vibrant future

Event to mark civic trust’s 50th

Perth’s future as a tourist destination and modern retailing centre goes under the spotlight at a seminar marking the 50th anniversary of Perth Civic Trust and the Scottish Civic Trust next week.

The free event takes place on Thursday, October 26 at the Royal George Hotel from 7pm. It is open to all.

“Perth: Past, Present, Future” is aimed at individuals and local businesses. It is being chaired by John Pelan, director of the Scottish Civic Trust.

The seminar will look at Perth’s history and heyday, current issues and challenges, and what can be done to encourage a more positive future with a particular emphasis on retailing.

Mr Pelan said: “Perth is not unique in facing pressure from online retailing and out-of-town shopping facilities.

“However, it is a city rich in architectural heritage with passionate citizens and a new sense of purpose.”

Perth Civic Trust is one of around 130 groups affiliated to the Scottish Civic Trust.

Mr Pelan said: “Their aims vary but most share a common purpose: to care for, celebrate and champion their local village, town or city.

“What drives them on is civic pride in their area, responsibility for its upkeep and future and a determination to stand up for it when it is under threat.

“Their sense of civic duty harks back to an earlier time, the 1960s and 70s when civic society was at its most active.

“Then, in response to the widespread destruction of much of the country’s historic fabric, delivered with fervour by modernist zealots from the architectural and planning professions, the Scottish Civic Trust was founded, followed by scores of civic and amenity societies across the country.

“In a time when people lived in neighbourhoods for much longer than today’s transient populations, there was a greater connectivity to one’s environment.

“This cohesion, along with a campaigning spirit, imbued groups to challenge decisions made by planning authorities and city and town leaders and helped to make the conservation movement grow.

“The civic movement is still very much alive and kicking today but it faces new challenges around pressures to build more houses, overdevelopment of towns, the growth of the internet and lack of investment in the historic environment.

“The Perth: Past, Present, Future discussion will examine some of these challenges and, hopefully, come up with some positive solutions.”

Perth Civic Trust chairman David MacLehose said the timing was perfect, given that the former McEwens store in St John Street will be re-opening under the Beales banner shortly, with plans for the long-empty City Hall also progressing.

He said: “In addition to celebrating Perth’s rich heritage, this is the perfect opportunity for all manner of businesses to take part in a conversation about the way ahead for the city centre.

“With the restored and extended Perth Theatre nearing completion after a £16.5 million investment and proposals being progressed for an exciting cultural attraction in a new-look City Hall and expanded museum, there is no shortage of developments in the pipeline. These are exciting times for Perth.”

Thursday’s seminar will feature historian and lecturer Dr David Munro, the former director of the Royal Geographical Society, addressing Perth’s past.

Jim Valentine, depute chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, will be putting the present under the spotlight and Leigh Sparks, professor of retail studies at Stirling University, will consider the future prospects for Perth’s retail heart.