Visitors could flock to Perth if new attraction becomes reality

Perth would benefit from a new cultural attraction, councillors have agreed.

A feasibility study identified how this could draw in visitors to the city and it has now been agreed to further examine the possibilities to showcase the “Modern Scots” aspect of Perth’s identity.

“The new attraction would focus on Perth’s place in the 20th Century Scottish Cultural Renaissance and Scotland’s wider contribution to European Modernism, maximising potential for significant loans from Scottish and UK museums,” said Fiona Robertson, head of culture and community services, in a report.

She said that the feasibility study identified this as “a key opportunity for Perth to differentiate itself from other Scottish destinations” and 160,000 visitors was the annual target for the new attraction.

Council leader Ian Miller said it was an exciting prospect.

“This council is already committed to placing culture at the heart of our ambitions for the future,” he said. “This project will deliver the critical mass of visitors that we require to sustain and enhance our status as a cultural attraction and support the tourist and visitor offer in the area.

“We already have a significant offering in Perth and Kinross, but we don’t make the most of it.”

Councillors were told nothing had been ruled in or out with regard to where such an attraction would be housed or whether it would be in an existing building or a new construction.

They agreed council officers should undertake investigations into fundraising plans, costings and a potential location for a new attraction.