Perth will face “stiffer” than expected competition from all over the UK as it bids for potentially lucrative city status.
The mechanics of a contest planned to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 were previously unclear, but The Courier can reveal that it will lead to the creation of just one new British city.
It had been thought one city would be created in each of the four home nations.
Campaigners insist Perth is “supremely placed” and in “pole position” to become Scotland’s seventh city, but in light of the new revelation, Provost Dr John Hulbert says there is no room for complacency.
Although the local bid has been extremely high profile Dr Hulbert knows success is far from a foregone conclusion and in a newsletter prepared for city status “advocates” he called for campaigners to rise to the challenge.
“It has been confirmed that the plan is for only one new city to be created for the whole of UK to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012,” Dr Hulbert said.
“This will make the challenge a lot stiffer for Perth and all the other entrants.”
The royal charter was awarded to Perth by King William I in 1210, when the town was considered the nation’s capital and Dr Hulbert firmly believes that the time is right for it to be once again regarded as one of the country’s key areas.
“Our intention has always been to claim the restoration of city status rather than a first grant,” he said.
It is widely anticipated that securing city status a campaign backed by The Courier would bring extra tourism, economic activity and a new civic pride.
Among the towns set to provide tough competition is Reading in Berkshire.