The SNP has backed a campaign to ensure each of the UK home nations, not just one, will have a town upgraded to city status in 2012.
Perth is seeking official city status but fears its chances will be dented if, as planned, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland get one winner among them rather than one each.
A resolution was jointly tabled on day one of the SNP’s annual conference in Perth by MSP Roseanna Cunningham, MP Pete Wishart and Perth and Kinross Council’s SNP Group to get that situation changed.
It read, “Conference applauds the organisers of Perth 800, celebrating the 800th anniversary of the granting of the royal burgh charter to Perth by King William the Lion in 1210.
“Conference recognises that this exciting and ambitious programme on heritage, sport, arts and culture will have involved more than 100 events in Perth and Kinross during 2010.
“These have been aimed at engaging with local communities, encouraging civic pride, stimulating the local economy through tourism, enhancing the profile of Perth and Kinross and creating a foundation for the formal restoration of city status to Perth.
“Conference regrets that while previous city status competitions sought to name a new city in each of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland that has been downgraded to just one from the whole of the UK.
“Conference supports Perth and Kinross Council’s efforts to mobilise an all-party, pan-Celtic campaign in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to secure a four-nation competition… and recognises the justice of restoring city status to Perth, the Fair City.”
Ms Cunningham welcomed party members’ backing for the resolution.
She said, “Perth 800 is a fantastic programme celebrating the 800th anniversary of the granting of the royal burgh charter to Perth in 1210.
“That anniversary has been used as the springboard for a campaign to have city status restored to the Fair City.
“The obvious route to achieve that was the competition planned to mark the queen’s jubilee. Previous city status competitions sought to name a new city in each of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“I am extremely concerned, however, because that ambition has been downgraded to just one from the whole of the UK.”
Mr Wishart said, “Decision-making power over city status resides at Westminster. I have worked hard to raise awareness of Perth’s claim among English MPs and members of the Lords, with Perth connections, asking them to support our case.
“Perth is seeking to have city status recognised, not conferred, and I am pleased my party has recognised the strength of that argument.”