AN MP yesterday called for a lasting positive legacy in the wake of next month’s summit.

Perth and North Perth-shire parliamentarian Pete Wishart, the SNP’s international development spokes-man, suggested a “centre for international peace and development” be set up in Perth following the meeting of world leaders.

Mr Wishart admits he is concerned over issues including the possibility of insurance for locals in the wake of any damage to private property, but is determined to remain upbeat.

“The main focus of the G8 agenda will quite rightly be the major international issues of climate change and poverty,” he said.

“The SNP stands full-square behind the Make Poverty History campaign and we believe Scotland can lead the way in development of the renewable technologies that are part of the solution to our climate crisis.

“However, the summit raises particular issues for Scotland as the host nation and for Perthshire as the community that will feel the impact most directly.

“The SNP group wants to ensure there is a lasting legacy for Scotland and Perthshire from the G8 and will be writing to the Prime Minister on this point.”

Mr Wishart has a number of suggestions.

“Ideas that have emerged include the creation of a centre for international peace and development in Perth,” he said.

“This would monitor the impact and effectiveness of aid policy, and implementation of any agreements reached at Gleneagles. It would also work to strengthen links between academics, governments and young people in the north and south.”

The MP hopes future generations will benefit fully.

“We would also like to see the creation of a Scottish peace corps so that the energy generated around the summit can be harnessed by young people and others, with direct benefit for them and communities across the third world.

“We would encourage the government to explore the possibility of direct sponsorship of students from Africa to study in Scotland.”

Mr Wishart is keen to ensure Perthshire companies and organisations reap some benefits to offset the likely disruption.

“We will be requesting a meeting with the Foreign Office and will table a series of parliamentary questions to explore how many contracts have gone to Scottish firms, what the total value and percentage of business has been, and what steps are being taken to ensure local businesses benefit from the summit,” he said.

“It is important that Scotland sees a direct benefit from the millions of pounds to be spent ... as part of summit preparations.”

Mr Wishart went on, “The SNP fully supports peaceful protest and would prefer to see demonstrations focused on Gleneagles itself rather than the community of Auchterarder.

“I will be pressing the UK government to think again on the question of compensation ... in the event of any summit-related damage.

“I will also be urging the UK government to cover the full cost of security for the event.”