Perth’s economy will receive a welcome boost this week as the city hosts a major two-day conference.
The 89th annual STUC Women’s Conference will be held in Perth Concert Hall on Friday and Saturday bringing 140 delegates, speakers and staff to Perth.
Last held in Perth in 2014, the conference delegates will be welcomed by Provost Liz Grant on the opening morning.
For restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and pubs the late season influx is more than welcome.
“Business conferencing provides a valuable boost to the vibrancy and economic impact of our area,” said Councillor John Kellas, convener of the council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee.
“Not only is there a direct impact but conference attendees often revisit to enjoy our environment, events and tourist attractions discovered during their initial visit.
“Perth and Kinross offers a wide variety of venues from small to larger scale, often working in partnerships, that has encouraged growth in this important sector.”
The conference brings together women trade unionists from a range of workplaces across Scotland to debate issues and motions of interest to them.
Motions to this year’s conference cover a range of issues including austerity and its impact on working women’s lives, the pension age and women’s rights and abortion law, now devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
The theme of this year’s conference is Women: Many Roles, Many Barriers.
Speaking ahead of the conference Davina Rankin, chair of the STUC Women’s Committee, said: “Each year the STUC Women’s Conference gives us the chance to hear from women from across Scotland, from many industries and workplaces.
“Those experiences tell us that we still must campaign against the inequality that continues to create divisions in our society, and for a change of direction that will ensure a real redistribution of wealth.”
A panel session will also be held on Saturday morning at 11.30am and the panel will include Kezia Dugdale MSP, leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
