Council asked to earmark £100,000 for Perth 800

Dec 1 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

COUNCILLORS will be asked tomorrow to earmark £100,000 for activities during the Perth 800 celebrations next year.

As the countdown begins, Perth and Kinross Council is to set aside funding for civic events which would benefit the area throughout 2010.

The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee will be asked to allocate the cash for activities which will include an event in May to grant the Freedom of the City of Perth to the 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS), and the Perth 800 Weekend in July.

The majority of funding would be kept in reserve for additional opportunities which may present themselves next year.

Perth 800 is a year-long programme of events which will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210.

An ambitious programme on the themes of heritage, sport, arts and culture and the local economy will see more than one event a week being held throughout Perth and Kinross.

The Perth 800 weekend will be a key focus of the celebrations and include a parade to mark Armed Forces Day, with supporting events in the city centre, and a celebration concert in Perth Concert Hall.

The Perth 800 project is part of a strategy to develop the tourism industry in Perth and Kinross.

The council has set itself the target of increasing tourism revenue by 8% in 2010, to a value of £83 million across the area.

Councillor Ian Miller, convener of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said yesterday: “Our investment in this anniversary is very much about bringing opportunities to the local economy at a time when they are especially needed.

“The present economic climate serves as a reminder that we must take every chance that presents itself to support and strengthen our local economy.

“Perth 800 is just such an opportunity. We welcome the number and variety of local businesses who are taking part in Perth 800 and wish them a successful year with it."