Let there be light as funds approved for new festival
churchyard and the inside and outside of Crieff Town Hall.
The council report signed- off by elected members states organisers have sought advice from the teams behind hit outdoor events such as the Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry, Electric Glen in East Renfrewshire, Spirits of Scone and Colours of Cluny in Forres.
David McCann, manager of Crieff Succeeds, described the plan as a “wonderful opportunity to showcase Crieff ’s cultural and heritage assets and highlight and celebrate the town’s fascinating history”.
Strathearn ward councillor Stewart Donaldson said he felt the latest proposal was “far better” than previously-mooted plans for an event at Drummond Castle which did not come to pass.
He explained: “I very much support this application by Crieff Succeeds.
“Clearly some may question why the earlier event at Drummond Castle did not go ahead in late 2018.
“That attracted funding support of £30,000. However, as far as I recall, it did not go ahead due to uncertainties about SGN and gas pipeworks and, in particular, due to a change in the management at Crieff Succeeds – not a single penny of that £30,000 was spent.”
The SNP elected member continued: “This time I believe Crieff Succeeds has come up with a far better proposal, one that will appeal to local residents and to many from outwith Crieff.
“The event is very much based in the town centre. I think what is being put forward in terms of theatre, performances, animation and audio-visual will capture the imagination of many in the town.
“And it’s going to be suitable for all ages. It could be a real family event and bring people to the town.
“That could be great news for local small businesses, especially in early March, at one of the quieter times of the year.”
Cllr Donaldson concluded: “The other question to be asked is can Crieff Succeeds deliver? I believe strongly that it can.
“I really do hope that everyone in Crieff gets behind this event. It should be a real tonic for the town – it’s in my diary already.”
Mentioning the previous funding allocation, the approved report states: “This is a development of the original promenade performance concept for which the [committee] approved funding support in May 2018 ... but which did not take place in December 2018 as originally intended. Consequently, the council’s grant award of £30,000 was not made.
“The event concept and format have been revised with a new location of Crieff town centre proposed and Crieff Succeeds Ltd is requesting a reduced level of grant support.”
At the meeting itself, Mr McCann assured councillors no roads would be closed during the event and said stewards would be in place along the route to look after spectators.
SNP Strathtay councillor Grant Laing said there was a “bit of scepticism” because of the non-delivery of the last potential event.
But fellow nationalist Andrew Parrott, who represents part of Perth, said the most recent proposal seemed “more solid” and the event provided the opportunity to do for Crieff “what the Enchanted Forest has done for Pitlochry”.