Perform in Perth judge expresses concern over council cultural review

A judge at the Perform in Perth festival has urged council bosses to safeguard services for the area’s young musicians.

Adjudicator Alan Fernie, of the British and Inter-national Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech, hit out at a controversial review of music lessons and cultural services proposed by Perth and Kinross Council.

The move could see trusts operating some services instead of the local authority.

Speaking to an audience of competitors at Peform in Perth, Mr Fernie called for the council to safeguard the future of the event and said: “I hope any budget cuts aren’t too swingeing.”

Council leader Ian Miller has stressed that the proposal should be seen as a “review of efficiency” rather than cutbacks.

Schools and dance troupes battled it out in the latest round of Perform in Perth contests at the city’s Glenearn Community Campus on Saturday.