Perth’s historic vennels have been undergoing a facelift over recent weeks.
The thoroughfares, which date back to medieval times, have been targeted by Perth and Kinross Council’s unpaid work team to improve the look of the city in advance of next year’s Ryder Cup.
The team has been cleaning vennels and painting archways throughout the city centre. North and South Methven Street, Scott Street, South Street, Mill Street, High Street and St John’s Place are some of the areas that have received the team’s attention.
Members of the team undertaking the work have been placed on community payback orders by courts and are required to carry out unpaid work.
Community safety convener Douglas Pover praised the efforts of the team.
“The work is of a very high standard and has significantly improved the look of those areas of the city centre where it has been carried out,” he said.
“I would add that retailers have also been quick to support the efforts of the unpaid work team, which has improved the environment for shoppers.”
The work on the vennels is part of a wider £1 million programme of regeneration and enhancement planned for Perth next year.
The influx of visitors to Perth for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014 has galvanised efforts. Much of the investment will be in and around Mill Street, which is on the verge of a transformation.
Work has just begun on an 83-bedroom hotel in the former Pullar Dyeworks. Guests at the Premier Inn will look out on to Mill Street and plans for landscaping, lighting and other improvements are currently being drawn up.
At one end of Mill Street is Perth Theatre, which is due to close shortly for a multi-million-pound refurbishment, and at the other end is Perth Concert Hall.
Any organisation interested in the services of the unpaid work team can call the criminal justice service on 01738 476173, email sct@pkc.gov.uk, or write to the service at St Martin’s House North, King Edward Street, Perth, PH1 5UT.