Any indication on the future of Perth City Hall is unlikely to emerge this side of the council elections.
As the elections approach they take place across Scotland on May 3 it seems probable Historic Scotland will still not have made public its stance before that date.
The heritage organisation has been tasked with giving a recommendation to Scottish Ministers as to whether the Edwardian listed building should be demolished to make way for a civic square in the heart of Perth.
Opponents of the demolition option are pinning their hopes on Historic Scotland deciding that the redundant city hall is a building of such merit that alternative uses must be considered further.
Asked about the timescale of their recommendation, a spokesman for Historic Scotland would only say: ”A decision is still under consideration but the decision will be made in the near future.”
Among those awaiting the recommendation with more than a little interest is Vivian Linacre who is project managing a bid by Perth City Market Trust to retain the building and convert it into a market hall.
”I cannot speculate, but it may well have been decided, given the momentous and highly controversial nature of the issue, to delay any announcement until after the elections on May 3,” said Mr Linacre.
”Meanwhile, the absurdity of the council’s proposal to demolish city hall is all the more obvious following conferment of city status just as the continuing slump shows the absurdity of that proposal’s economics.”
The trust have had plans drawn up by Simpson & Brown, conservation architects, which they believe are a credible proposal if the Scottish Government come down in favour of retaining the hall.
A spokesman for the council said they too were eagerly anticipating the recommendation by Historic Scotland to the Government.
”The council remains committed to its vision for a city square, and we await the decision from Scottish ministers,” they said.
The plans agreed for a new Perth city square have been promoted by the council as an area that could be used all year round for a wide variety of events, providing an economic benefit to city centre businesses.
The plan was unanimously approved by councillors who said it was regarded as the best option for the future economic health of Perth.