Perth’s bid for city status reaches a critical stage this month, with a “compelling” argument being fine-tuned.
The Courier-backed campaign culminates with the closing date for submissions to be with the competition organisers by May 27.
Today councillors will meet to agree the final draft in the competition which forms part of the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations next year.
The lengthy quest has attracted cross-party support, with First Minister Alex Salmond even raising the issue with Prime Minister David Cameron on a visit to 10 Downing Street.
Hopes had been raised that the competition might be amended to allow each of the four nations of the UK to have their own competition for a new city improving Perth’s chances but only one such prize is on offer across the UK.
Although Perth’s rivals will not be confirmed until all the nominations are in, it is thought that 14 other towns are likely to throw their hats into the ring.
Those who have shown an interest are Reading, Bolton, Medway, Guildford, Colchester, Milton Keynes, Luton, Cheltenham, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Middlesbrough, Ballymena in Northern ireland and Welsh towns Llanelli and Wrexham.
Perth lost its city status during local government reorganisation in the 1970s and Provost John Hulbert, the public face of the bid, maintains that they are looking for “restoration of city status rather than a first grant.”
As well as the prestige that city status would bring, campaigners believe it could provide a significant economic boost to Perth, which is marketing itself as a vibrant small city, competing with other European tourist destinations.
In a report to today’s full council meeting, chief executive Bernadette Malone lays out details of the final draft drawn up with the help of a high-powered steering group which included Lord Lieutenant Mel Jameson, leaders of all the political groups on the council and representatives of Perth Chamber of Commerce and Perth College UHI.
Ms Malone reports, “The final city status bid document includes 25 pages of text, 25 pages of photographs with captions and two maps which capture the information requested by the competition organisers.
“The information includes details of Perth’s history and traditions; its economic, social and environmental activity, its population and employment statistics and details of community activity and interests. Perth’s arts, culture and sporting facilities, its visitor attractions, specialist retail activity and major events programme all feature.”
She adds, “The text also highlights and gives emphasis to the council’s bid for the restoration of city status, as featured during the Perth 800 celebrations. The document also includes a number of quotes from many of the Perth’s city leaders and senior representatives from national organisations and also includes endorsements and messages of support from the Lord Provosts of Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Stirling as well as political support from the leaders of all four of Scotland’s main political parties.”