Council chief confident of deal

The new boss at Perth and Kinross Council is confident the arrival of the long-awaited Tay Cities deal is “when, not if”.

Concerns have been raised about the future of the £400 million package after numerous delays.

Fear increased when The Courier reported the UK Government is likely to cut its contribution down to £120 million.

The Scottish Government will only match-fund what Westminster pays out, meaning a maximum total of £240 million.

But new council chief executive Karen Reid remains confident about the deal.

A month after taking up the post, she said: “I really don’t think it’s a case of if with the Tay Cities Deal, I think it’s a case of when.

“I hope we will hear more very soon because when it does it will bring huge dividends for Perth and Kinross, but equally for the neighbouring areas.

“The other chief executives and I are really keen to get the right investment and infrastructure for all of Tayside.

“I will absolutely be looking at getting the best possible opportunities for Perth and Kinross.”

A wish list of more than 50 projects across Tayside and north Fife, expected to create 15,000 jobs, are relying on the deal.

Projects in Perthshire include the Cross Tay Link Road and a revamp of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.