Last five years have been a whirlwind... maybe now I’ll catch up on my gardening
Provost Grant prepares for retirement
The growing success of the Winter Festival and the Provost’s Supper stood out for the provost Provost Liz Grant has been reflecting on her past five years as the council’s figurehead of Perth and Kinross as she attended her last awards presentation before retiring.
The SNP councillor, who represents Blairgowrie and The Glens, will retire next week after the council elections on Thursday, May 4.
The PA caught up with her as she carried out some of her last civic duties – presenting June Craig and Sheena Lamond with British Empire Medals at Perth and Kinross Council’s new Civic Hall.
Reflecting on her time as Provost, Liz said: “It has been a complete whirlwind. It has passed very quickly, but we achieved a great deal.
“We now have a huge events programme such as the Winter Festival, which has significantly increased footfall to the city.
“We have also completely refurbished 2 High Street and rejuvenated the civic calendar, which brings the whole community together. It has been a very busy five years, but very fruitful.
“I think the most important thing I have done as Provost is kicking off the events strategy for the city.
“The events strategy has helped to kick off Perth’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021, and as we look towards the bid, there is plenty for everyone to look forward to.
“Since the bid has properly started, it has given us the confidence to go for it, and I’m sure we’ll do extremely well.
“There have been many highlights from my time as Provost, such as reinstating the Provost’s Supper.
“Now, every January the elected members invite members of the community along for a supper and evening of entertainment. It has been a fantastic success, and I hope that will continue.
“I have really enjoyed my time at Perth and Kinross Council and I will miss it.
“I have no idea what I am going to do after I retire, but I will have some time off – see what sparks my fancy.
“I have not committed to anything at the moment. However, I have 10 years of work in the house and the
Provost Liz Grant will officially end her time in the role next week
garden to catch up on!” The provost found presenting the British Empire Medals for hands-on services to the local community a fitting way to end her time in the job.
She said: “This is the first time we have used the new Civic Hall for an honours presentation. It is the perfect setting. It is bringing more and more people into the Civic Hall and it is a community hall.”