Exciting times ahead for Perth

Dec 23 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

CHRISTMAS and New Year is a time for families and friends, for holidays and for reflection. It is a time to look back on the year that has passed, and determine priorities for the year to come, writes Provost John Hulbert.

The last 12 months has been a very positive one for Perth and Kinross Council, and I believe we are now one of the leading local authorities in Scotland. During 2008 the Council was delighted to receive a very positive independent inspection report from the Audit Commission, which showed we are a progressive and forward-thinking authority with services performing above the national average.

As a Council we will face many fresh challenges in 2009, and we are in very good shape to do so. The general economic outlook is uncertain at the moment, but I can reassure our residents that the Council is in a strong financial position and can face the future with confidence. We will continue to deliver the best services possible to residents and will always strive for improvement.

Looking forward, 2009 is the year of the Homecoming – the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns – when we are seeking to welcome back home people from all over the world who have some family or ancestral connections with Scotland, and especially with Perth. Here in Perth and Kinross we have an exciting program of events lined up to mark the Homecoming. Tourism is a major driver for the Perth and Kinross economy, and we are determined to embrace the opportunity that the Homecoming presents us.

The coming year will also lead us up to 2010, when Perth will celebrate its 800th anniversary. The Council will be working hard during 2009 to organise a host of exciting events, including a Royal visit, to ensure that the Fair City’s octocentenary is something special.

We are using these two years, 2009 and 2010, as a springboard to launch our bid for official City Status for Perth. This will be submitted in late 2011, in time for an announcement when the Queen celebrates her diamond Jubilee in early 2012 – so these are exciting times for the area.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Perth and Kinross and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s work together to make sure 2009 is a memorable year.