An ambitious bid to have Perth named UK City of Culture 2021 received unanimous, cross-party support yesterday.
“If we were to succeed, the effect on our tourist economy would be enormous,” said council leader Ian Miller.
“The effect on our prestige would be incalculable.”
Excited by the prospect of the exposure success would bring and the possibility of reaping a multi-million dividend, the meeting of the full council agreed to fund a £250,000 campaign.
“It’s important that we keep our eyes on the bigger and longer-term vision that we have for our council area and its economy,” said Mr Miller.
“We are already investing heavily in our future by ensuring that our major facilities such as Perth Theatre are brought up to modern standards and to augment Perth Concert Hall and our community campuses.
“That investment programme has focused on Perth becoming a cultural hub for this part of Scotland.
“That being the case, I think this is a marvellous opportunity to put the icing on the cake by bidding for UK City of Culture 2021.”
Council chief executive Bernadette Malone said that Hull, which defeated Dundee’s bid in a previous contest, had seen major benefits from their success.
“I believe this is a worthwhile investment,” she said, adding that as a prudent council they were in a position to utilise reserves.
Councillor Dennis Melloy welcomed the bid as “far reaching” and wondered if it might lead to investment in “blackspots” such as Bridgend and St Paul’s Church in Perth.
Ms Malone said it was her understanding that regeneration was a major part of being a City of Culture and this had been a significant part of Hull’s bid.
News of the backing of the bid spread fast and the Shadow Minister for Culture, MSP Liz Smith, was among the first to welcome the announcement and immediately tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament.
“Perth’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 represents an exciting opportunity to put Perth and Perthshire and Kinross-shire on the culture map of the United Kingdom,” she said.
“I will be working within Parliament to support the bid, and hope that all parties will work together to help secure UK City of Culture 2021.”