The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Strathtay
Taking in some of the area’s most scenic landscapes, the Strathtay ward is the second largest in Perth and Kinross in terms of land mass.
Covering a large area north and west of Perth city, the largest settlement in the ward is Dunkeld. The geography of the area means the majority of the population – just over 10,000 people – live in communities following the route of the A9.
The ongoing dualling of the A9 is the biggest issue facing Strathtay ward at the moment with major debate over the proposed route of the project as it makes its way through the district.
The ward is also the site of what will be Scotland’s only completely new secondary school in 20 years, the £32.5 million Bertha Park High School.
A large amount of the western part of the ward is covered by hills and glens, with people living in small communities. The eastern part of the ward contains a number of forests including the Tay Forest Park and the Craigvinean forest. Given the nature of the area, the ward is a popular destination with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The River Tay is a focus for much of their activities and the health of the river, with regard to salmon stocks, is important for anglers and the many people employed in related fields.
The largest communities in the ward besides Dunkeld are Birnam, Luncarty, Stanley and Bankfoot, while the largest employer based on staffing levels is the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel, which lies on the banks of the River Tay. There are no other employers with more than 25 workers in the ward. Originally from Fife, I have lived in Kinclaven in the Strathtay ward for almost seven years, where I am involved with various community initiatives in Stanley and the Dunkeld Climate Cafe. Most of my professional life, I have been involved in land and environmental management and consultancy, including agriculture, countryside development, golf environment and home energy. My main policy interests are around sustainable land use, climate change and energy, citizens’ income and affordable, sustainable housing. I believe there is so much scope for innovative local action for a much greener and more socially just future. Ian James is one of the two Conservative and Unionist candidates to contest the ward.
“Living and working in Perth and Kinross, I am very passionate about the area,” he said. “I decided that if I wanted to see changes rather than complain about it, I should stand up to be counted and that is why I am seeking your support.
“I am unhappy with the waste of public money and lack of investment by the current SNP-run council in the things that matter. They continue to spend money on projects such as expensive new council chambers in Perth while increasing our council tax. I believe this is unacceptable.” The other Conservative candidate is Anne Jarvis, who has lived locally for more than three years.
“Moving to Perth and Kinross to be nearer my family, I was approached, and subsequently selected, as candidate for Strathtay,” she said. “I have been a long-serving councillor in East Dunbartonshire and will bring this experience to speak for Strathtay residents.
“Travelling throughout Strathtay, people tell me their voice is not heard in the council chamber.
“My promise is to always act in the best interests of everyone in Strathtay. Both rural and urban areas’ voices will be heard loudly in the council chamber.” SNP councillor Grant Laing is standing again.
“Sport, recreation and opportunities for exercise for young and old alike are very important to me,” he said. “I am very happy to have been involved with the drive to redevelop Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, the new PH20 Sport and Swimming Centre project in Perth and the moves towards a community and sports hub in Stanley.
“Being part of the budget review group, I am proud that our budget kept funding for public toilets, including Dunkeld, protected rural bus service funding, along with many other positive decisions which were specific to the SNP budget.”