Perth is gearing up to formally launch its bid for the UK City of Culture crown.
Council chiefs have set a date for a day of festivities which will set the ball rolling on their ambitious campaign.
The Fair City will compete against Paisley, Cardiff and Coventry for the 2021 title.
Details of the launch, on Friday, August 19, are being kept under wraps but it is understood a series of events are being lined up to showcase the best of the area’s arts, music, culture and architecture.
A new logo to help drum up support for the campaign is also being created.
In October last year, councillors agreed to support a £250,000 effort to kickstart the bid.
If successful, the prestigious title could attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and lead to an estimated £60 million boost for the local economy.
Perth and Kinross Council hope that judges will be impressed by its plans to transform Perth City Hall into a cultural hub to house the Stone of Destiny, as well as the ongoing revitalisation of Perth Theatre.
It is hoped that the success of the Weeping Window display will also strengthen the council’s case.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “I think this would be a tremendous opportunity for the city of Perth and I would hope that all local people and business will rally behind this campaign.
“If Perth can secure City of Culture status it will bring great benefits to the area.”
Council leader Ian Miller previously said the timing of the launch was important and said he thought Paisley had possibly started its campaign too early.
The bid follows Dundee’s recent attempt for City of Culture 2017 status, which eventually went to Hull.
However, the team leading Dundee’s campaign said their efforts had not been wasted because it had raised the city’s profile and aspirations.
Perth’s bid has already won the backing of, amongst others, 80s singing sensation Toyah.
She said: “I think Perth deserves that recognition as much as any other city.
“I think cities that preserve their own culture and look after it, and are in touch with their own history, as well as supporting the local population, deserve to be City of Culture.”
