Stuart Cosgrove says Perth can be a cultural force

Feb 12 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

RENOWNED TV and radio personality Stuart Cosgrove yesterday insisted Perth has the potential to become a cultural focal point for the whole of Scotland.

And he believes the on-going drive to restore official city status is an “important step” on the way to realising his vision.

The popular presenter will be returning to his native Fair City to take part in Perth Film Society’s inaugural festival, which runs from April 23 to 25.

Set to speak on the role media group FilmFour plays within the Scottish cinema scene, the Channel 4 director said: “To me, Perth already is a city and has always been so.

“Historically, it served as the capital of Scotland for a long time and has all the hallmarks now.

“It’s known as the Fair City for goodness sake! Not the Fair Town.

“Whoever decided that Perth wasn’t a city needs their head examined, and I fully support the council’s bid for city status – it’s an important step.”

The ardent St Johnstone fan went on to praise those behind Perth Concert Hall – which will host the up-coming three-day cinematic showpiece – for providing the region with a place “fit to attract big names”.

He said: “Culturally, Perth has grown almost beyond recognition in the last 10 years.

“That’s why I accepted the film society’s invitation to speak at the festival, as well as being from here.

“There have been other successful film events in Perth before, but things like what the society are doing are great because they encourage creative people to visit.

“As a society, Scotland is becoming more involved in the creative industries and you need to have the right type of venues locally – like Perth Concert Hall – to take part.

“Big names may have thought twice before coming to Perth in the past.

“But I don’t think that would be the case now.”

Tickets for the festival, which is being held in Perth Concert Hall’s Norie-Miller Studio, are available from the venue’s box office.