Full steam ahead for City of Culture bid

PERTH: Senior UK minister Lord Dunlop to tour bookies’ favourite for 2021 title

Perth’s City of Culture 2021 bid is already gathering steam and will be discussed this week with one of the UK’s most senior ministers.

Lord Dunlop, under secretary of state at the Scottish Office, will tour the Fair City tomorrow.

It is anticipated that a successful bid for the title could generate in the region of £60 million for the economy in the area.

The campaign was launched last week and has received widespread support from politicians, celebrities and residents alike.

Meanwhile, the Fair City has already been installed as the bookies’ favourite for the prestigious title.

A senior UK minister is set to discuss Perth’s bid for City of Culture status when he meets council leaders later this week.

Lord Dunlop, under secretary of state at the Scottish Office, will tour the Fair City tomorrow.

While there, it is understood he will ask for an update on Perth’s proposal for a Tayside city deal, which could unlock up to £400 million of investment.

During his visit, Lord Dunlop will also be shown the official UK City of Culture video before setting off on a walking tour of the city centre, taking in the vacant city hall and the developments at Perth Theatre.

The city formally launched its bid for City of Culture status – a move which could generate £60 million for the economy – with a huge party on Friday.

The fun continued with celebrations marking the 750th anniversary of the Treaty of Perth at the weekend, which included a visit from about 400 Edinburgh Tattoo performers.

The Perth 2021 campaign has already attracted local support. MSP Roseanna Cunningham said: “The ideal for a City of Culture is a place that has a historic tradition of culture, an outstanding modern-day record of provision and support for the arts and a plan for future encouragement and development of the city’s cultural life.

“To adapt the campaign’s slogan, Perth is that place.

“The city and surrounding areas have a huge amount to offer.”

The bid has also won the backing of Taggart actor Colin McCredie, who grew up in the city and began acting as a child at Perth Theatre before attending the Scottish Youth Theatre.

“Without a doubt, our bid for City of Culture will further enhance our standing and inspire a new generation of local culture vultures,” he said.

Several regions in Scotland have already benefited from the city deal cash, designed to improve the economies of areas surrounding major cities.

However, Perth and Dundee have yet to secure it, with plans on how to best use the money still being discussed.

Picture: Fraser Band. Sign of the times... a city on the up: Jennifer Beekie adds her support to the campaign at the 2021 bid tapestry wall at Perth City Hall.

Picture: Fraser Band. Jennifer Beekie at the mural created to highlight famous faces and landmarks of Perthshire as part of the culture bid.