Crowds show mart move is a mistake

Feb 20 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Crowds show mart move is a mistake

ONE of the most vociferous opponents to the closure of Perth Agricultural Centre stressed the large turn-out to the final Perth Bull Sales at the city’s mart justified the retention of a livestock market in this area.

Prominent Perthshire farmer Alex Murray called for the council to take action to retain a sales in Perth “before it is too late”.

“I attended the Aberdeen Angus bull sale where there was standing room only and bulls were changing hands for £24,000,” said the former Perth and Kinross Provost, who farms near Aberfeldy.

“There are huge benefits to having a market in Perth.”

And Mr Murray criticised local politicians for not fighting harder to keep the world-famous Perth Bull Sales actually in Perth.

“Last week I received a copy of Perthshire Outlook from Pete Wishart and there was not one word relating to the two most important issues in Perth – the City Hall and the future of the mart.

“The mart is a modern building and has a lot to contribute to the future well-being of Perth and Kinross. I have no doubt that the planning department of Perth and Kinross Council will take this into consideration when looking at the change of use.

“It was good to see Provost and Mrs Hulbert at the sale. I would advise the provost to get a copy of the sales report and show it to other councillors.

“£2 million changed hands and people who stayed in local accommodation contributed to the local economy. The bull sales continue this week and could return another £2 million.

“If you take the whole thing into consideration, the input into the Perth economy is around £5 million. If only for that reason, I think it’s most important to look at every possible aspect of retaining the market.

“If we could retain the bull sales it would be marvellous for the future of Perth. It’s going to look silly for people to go to Perth Bull Sales at Stirling.”