First Minister backs Perth’s 800th anniversary celebrations

Dec 4 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond lent his support to Perth’s 800th anniversary celebrations at a recent St Andrew’s Day event.

Mr Salmond conducted a “hand-over” ceremony with Perth and Kinross Provost John Hulbert during his time in the capital.

The symbolic gesture passed the baton from the Scottish Government’s Year of Homecoming to Perth 800, a series of events earmarked for the Fair City’s own 12-month extravaganza.

As part of his speech, the SNP leader gave Provost Hulbert a copy of the charter granted to Perth in 1210 by King William the Lion.

Provost Hulbert said: “Perth 800 will be Perth’s legacy to Homecoming Scotland, and I was delighted to be able to accept this gesture from the First Minister.

“More than 40 events featured as part of our successful Homecoming programme – from local events to larger projects such as this month’s IRC Rally of Scotland.

“Perth 800 will carry that Homecoming spirit into 2010.

“The year-long celebration of our city’s octocentenary will feature over 100 events and activities throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy and get involved in.

“We’re aiming to enhance the national and international profile of Perth and Kinross, to create a foundation for Perth for a restoration of its formal city status, boost our tourism economy and encourage civic pride among its local communities.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I was proud to hand over the Homecoming baton to Provost Hulbert.

“Perth800 is an exciting way to promote a beautiful part of Scotland and deliver economic benefits to the area at the same time.

“It builds on the great success of the Year of Homecoming, which has delivered more than 400 events across Scotland – boosted the economy – and is on track to exceed the target to raise an extra £44 million worth of tourism revenue.”

Are you organising an event for Perth 800? Email the details to pa@s-un.co.uk and we’ll give you publicity in the PA.