Bells will ring out over the centre of Perth for City of Culture bid

Plans are under way to make more of an unusual musical asset in Perth as part of the bid for City of Culture 2021.

Housed in the bell-tower of the historic St John’s Kirk, the carillon consists of 35 finelytuned bells which are played by striking a keyboard.

Following a visit by members of Perth Common Good Fund Committee, who climbed the tower to view the carillon and see it being played by the carrilloneur, they were keen to see more use of the instrument which dates to 1935.

The committee was told that discussions are under way between the carrillioneur and a retired music teacher from the St John’s Kirk congregation who is interested in learning to play the carillon.

Members of the public can view the carillon being played on large screens in the kirk.

“In discussion with the civic office/events team, it has been agreed to plan recitals to complement civic and other events in Perth,” Christina Flynn, democratic services manager, told the committee in a report.

“The carillon is a considerable local attraction, both generally and to visiting carilloneurs who have remarked on the beauty of the tone of the St John’s Kirk carillon.

“Both the carilloneur and St John’s Kirk are keen to encourage visitors to Perth to listen to the distinct sound of the carillon.

“There are opportunities for the council to work with the kirk to include this in the bid for City of Culture in 2021.”

A request for financial assistance for 2017 will be coming forward to the next meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee.