Perth’s bid for city status has taken a leap forward with unanimous support among councillors for the 50-page bid document.
The written element of the entry to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee contest 25 pages of text and 25 of photographs was sent to the printers after the full council unanimously approved it on Wednesday.
“We are reaching the end of a marathon effort,” said Provost John Hulbert, who has spearheaded the Courier-backed campaign.
Councillors paid tribute to his efforts, with calls for all interested parties to keep the momentum going until the big decision.
“Provost, I’m pleased to support your motion and our bid for the re-affirmation of city status for the Fair City of Perth,” said council leader Ian Miller. “As members will know this is a matter we have been vigorously pursuing for some time and the competition provides an opportune chance to put real meat behind our claim of rights.
“I remain disappointed that Westminster has failed to recognise the Scottish dimension in this competition and I believe there should have been a separate competition in Scotland. Had that been the case, Perth would have, in my view, been in the leading position to win the competition.
“Despite all that it is heartening to have the support of politicians of all parties and lord provosts across Scotland for this bid.”
Conservative group leader Alexander Stewart said Perth had previously been a city and “seeks to reclaim that ancient dignity”.
“Perth’s claim for city status is based on much more than its royal connections,” he said. “We have an energetic population, a stunning location on the Tay, a strategic position in the heart of Scotland and fantastic transport links.”