A tourist attraction in the centre of Perth has caused a right old ding-dong.
The 35-bell carillon at St John’s Kirk is regarded as one of the best collections in Scotland, with the earliest dating back to the 16th Century.
Although it regularly attracts funding from the Perth Common Good fund for recitals, a bid for increased financial support raised a few eyebrows.
Plans are in place to host more recitals over the next 12 months, with a view to recording these for future use.
Councillor Jack Coburn said: “There is new technology that allows recordings and at long last, we now have the piece that connects it all together.
“It is anticipated that the increased number of recitals this year will provide a wider collection supply of recordings that can be used and will reduce the number of paid carillon recitals in future years.”
There were some concerns raised about the overall intention of the proposals, as Councillor Archie MacLellan questions what the recordings would be used for.
He sought assurances that the carillon performances would not be replaced wholesale with recorded recitals.
He added: “I am also concerned about whether or not other people will be trained in the use of the carillon as a back-up.”
Depute environment director Barbara Renton revealed that plans were in place to launch workshops alongside Perth College UHI. This would give students the opportunity to learn how to use the carillon, a role currently enjoyed by Ian Cassells.
Councillor Alan Grant also questioned the proposals and sought clarity on what the term recording actually meant.
“Is this a recording used to play the actual bells, or a recording broadcast through a loudspeaker?” he said.
“If it was a machination where the bells were played as opposed to an electronic recording, that would be fine but if it’s an electronic recording, I think that could spoil the whole effect.”
Mr Coburn stated that the technology available would ensure it was actually the bells being played in a similar fashion to a pianola.
Meanwhile, Councillor Callum Gillies highlighted the 12% increase in funding, which has risen from £1875 in 2012/13, to £2940 this year.
He said: “We are not giving 10 to 12% increases to anyone, so why are we giving such an increase to this? Last year it was £125 a session and now it’s £140 a session.”
He was advised that the committee was agreeing to spend more on these latest proposals to save money in the future, as there would be less of a need for “live” recitals through using the range of recordings that would be made available.
Councillor Alexander Stewart welcomed the report, describing it as a “spend to save situation”.
He added: “In the past we have given substantial money to the carillon over the last few years and we are in a position where we can benefit from that.
“It is good step forward for the church, the council and civic life in Perth itself. I am very supportive of it.”
These views were echoed by Councillor Willie Wilson, who highlighted the importance of the carillon in attracting tourists to the city.
He hailed the investment by the common good fund as being “good value” and urged his fellow members to visit the collection of bells.