JAMIE BUCHAN

PERTH REPORTER

Perth’s bid for the 2021 title was bold, imaginative, smart and eye-catching.

But truth be told, the odds were stacked against the Fair City from the start.

Disappointingly, the City of Culture panel appears – as predicted – to have its heart set on giving the prize to another post-industrial settlement, following in the footsteps of Londonderry and Hull.

The Perth2021 application should have stood out because it focused on helping rural communities, rather than just exploring ways of regenerating the city centre.

Nonetheless, just taking part in the competition has delivered a real shot in the arm for the area.

The bid forced council leaders to look at not just what makes the region an attractive destination but what improvements were needed. They found social alienation among remote communities and a dependency on tourism, hospitality and agriculture which meant unusually low wages – 9% below the Scottish average.

The difficulties of hanging on to young creative talent – who more often than not drift to the central belt or further afield – were also unearthed by the Perth2021 team.

And with renewed confidence, the city is now addressing these issues, while pushing ahead with potentially transforming goals like bringing home the Stone of Destiny and establishing Perth as the City of Light.

And remember, Hull was only successful with its bid the second time around.