Orchestra warned over funding

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra has been warned to expect less money from Perth and Kinross Council’s common good fund.

The group has received more than £30,000 from the local authority pot over the last three years.

The money goes towards hosting a series of concerts in Perth.

Members of the common good fund committee agreed to grant £8,500 towards the next series of six concerts.

However, councillors said the amount could be reduced in future years.

SNP councillor Andrew Parrot said: “I have no doubt in my mind that this is a worthwhile series of events.

“But it does concern me that they are applying for a sum of up to 10% (£10,000) of the total money that is available for us for small grants in a year. I wonder if, in terms of overall priorities, that’s a reasonable ask.”

He added: “While I would not want to see this terminated at all, I do wonder if it should be intimated to them that a lesser amount would be more appropriate, around £5,000 or £6,000.”

SNP group leader David Doogan added: “I would go a bit further.

“I think we need to reverse the direction of travel here and indicate to the applicant that that direction of travel will continue for years to come, consistent with the financial situation that we find ourselves in.

“I proposed we grant the applicant £8,500, which is substantially less than they got last year and continue to review this year on year.”

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra may get less cash from Perth and Kinross Council in future years.