Start date for Perth’s ambitious City of Light action plan

An ambitious multi-million-pound plan to reinvent Perth as Scotland’s ‘City of Light’ will get under way in March.

The project involves illuminating landmarks and structures with colourful spotlights and projections in an effort to make the city more attractive to visitors, particularly after dark.

Lancaster-based LITE Ltd, which is behind dazzling illuminations at Edinburgh Castle and Blackpool, struck a deal with Perth and Kinross Council to design and install the lights.

It will work alongside Grangemouth-based engineering firm IKM Consulting.

The company has now revealed that the first project will involve the installation of permanent infrastructure at the Norie-Miller riverside trail, which will start in March next year.

The council has agreed to spend £5 million on the scheme, which has a total cost of around £12m.

The outstanding amount is expected to come from local businesses, property owners and other funding sources including the Scottish Government.

IKM managing director David Taylor said: “IKM is thrilled to be a part of the Perth City of Light action plan and we are pleased to be partnering with LITE for this significant project.

“We hope that the lighting schemes can be something the people of Perth are proud of.

“This is a growing sector for IKM and we look forward to collaborating with LITE and Perth and Kinross Council to deliver value added lighting solutions.”

The City of Light plan will be rolled out over the next six years.

Around 50,000 people visited the Norie-Miller light show in January, surpassing all expectations.

A follow-up event is planned for early next year.

The City of Light scheme is part of a wider £14m plan to reinvigorate Perth’s nightlife.

It follows a study which revealed nearly three-fifths of the local population had never set foot in Perth city centre after 6pm.