A senior UK minister has said Perth is now in a strong position to claim the City of Culture crown.
Lord Andrew Dunlop praised the efforts of council leaders and local organisations during a visit to the city on Tuesday.
The under secretary of state at the Scottish Office was briefed on proposals for the Perth 2021 bid, which was formally launched on Friday.
But he stopped short of giving his full support to the Fair City, stressing that he would also be backing Paisley.
“I desperately want to have a Scottish winner,” he said.
Lord Dunlop’s visit came as a new study revealed footfall in Perth had rocketed more than 7% this year. The statistics were boosted by more than 16,000 people who came to enjoy Treaty of Perth celebrations in the city centre on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the SNP yesterday announced they will be hosting another Perth City Centre Summit following an event in May organised after the collapse of McEwens department store.
- For the full story get Thursday’s edition of The Courier.
