By Paul Reoch

A PERTHSHIRE councillor has expressed his hopes that the legacy of economic opportunities for Perthshire will continue into the new year.

With a host of money-spinning events including the G8 summit, T in the Park, the Enchanted Forest and the opening of Perth Concert Hall, 2005 brought in much-needed revenue to the area and Councillor Alan Livingstone is confident that this can be replicated next year, with the concert hall being a main player.

Mr Livingstone, the convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee, told The Courier last night, “Tourism and events will continue to play an important role in developing our economy and I am sure that Perth Concert Hall, opened in September, will continue to build on its initial success in attracting events to the city.

“The past year has been an eventful and busy year for Perth and Kinross. Together with our partner agencies, the council has worked with communities across the area to address issues concerning economic regeneration.

“As well as developing projects such as the Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Walking Festival, Scottish Woodfair, Tay Valley Organics, Creative Perthshire, Comrie Map and increasing the use of woodfuel, we are currently consulting in eastern Perthshire on a local area initiative and have been developing plans for Perth city centre.

“Next year will also see us take forward the Perth Harbour development plan, which continues to be a central focus for the regeneration of that area.”

He continued, “There are already a number of significant events held in Perth and Kinross, many of which are national or international events that have a valuable impact on the local economy. We benefit hugely from T in the Park, Blair Atholl Horse Trials, Enchanted Forest and the Colin McRae Rally and the concert hall’s capacity to bring artists of international stature to the city will add to the area’s reputation for excellence in this area.”

And Mr Livingstone feels that 2006 will begin to see the long-term benefits of the G8 summit taking effect. The cost of hosting the event in Gleneagles has been estimated at £90 million, but Mr Livingstone reckons Perthshire will reap the economic harvest in months to come.

He said, “The G8 summit in July presented the council and its partners with a world stage upon which to showcase the area. Not only did we play a significant role in what has been acclaimed as one of the best organised of G8 summits but world-wide viewing audiences also had the opportunity to gain an insight into the outstanding local environment and the very good quality of life, all under the umbrella of the Perthshire brand.

“As is well known, the event drew thousands of people from across the world and the recently published economic impact assessment concluded that in overall terms the event was a significant boost for the Perth and Kinross economy. Although some local businesses gained more than others, I anticipate that the area will continue to benefit from its high-profile publicity throughout 2006.”

And he sees a bright future ahead for the area.

He added, “Securing inward investment and supporting the growth of existing businesses will continue to be a major priority.

“Partnership working is important for improving the economy and creating well-paid jobs in Perth and Kinross and the council and its partners will strive to work with the local community to achieve this in 2006.”