Let’s add colour to Perth history

Aug 21 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEAR Editor, – I would recommend to you the recent publication ‘Historic Shopfronts of Perth’ – available from the Tourist office – which has been recently published by the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust with assistance from the Perth Civic Trust and the Guildry Incorporation of Perth.

This interesting booklet, with a Foreword by the Provost, most intriguingly includes on page two, three colourful shop fronts which feature in the Introduction.

They are highlighted for their attractive appearance and as a reflection of the contemporary design of the day.

As the article records: “Shops are therefore particularly unusual within the historic environment in that change can be rapid and frequent, reflecting the latest fashions in architecture and retailing and may also be barometers of the wider economic situation.

“New owners today, as in the past, may adopt a simple intervention like a new paint scheme ...”

The controversy over a touch of colour on the façade of the shop front of 170 South Street is a reflection of the interpretation of a rulebook when it suits.

This building was listed B in August 1977, since when the top floor has been residential and a restaurant has opened on the first floor.

The adjacent corner site at 168 South Street is described by John Gifford in his excellent reference book ‘The Buildings of Scotland Perth and Kinross’ as the “dourest mid-C19 commercial Georgian survival”.

While we must respect and promote the built heritage of Perth, a holistic view should be adopted by the planners and our councillors.

It is a little worrying that at a time when Perth and Kinross Council has led a pilot study which will allow councils to decide on Listed Buildings Consent that a myopic approach is proposed in this instance. Councillor Ann Gaunt, Vice Chair of the Council’s Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee, in a press release updated on May 5, 2009, said :“The proposed Joint Working Agreement (with Historic Scotland) provides an opportunity for the council to take an even greater degree of local autonomy… and quality in local decision making processes. We have a large number of Listed Buildings in Perth and Kinross (3135 in total) making them a very important aspect of planning and conservation activity and a major attraction to the area”

The council should encourage colourfully painted shop fronts the full length of South Street so enhancing some fine buildings.

It is a dire thought that grey suited planners can decide to retain grey faced buildings in poor condition when ratepayers want to bring a sparkle and colour to our streets. Well done Bertie Browns.

David MacLehose,

Waterside,

Colehaugh,

Stormontfield.