By Mark Mackay

A Perth councillor has claimed the city should be willing to sacrifice conference cash to boost the profile of one of its most famous sons.

Labour councillor Margo Lennie spoke out as she and her fellows on the Perth Common Good Fund committee backed plans to commemorate the life and work of William Soutar.

Unanimous support was given to the creation of new stage curtains for the AK Bell Library Theatre at a cost of £6000.

Four large embroidered “slips” representing aspects of the poet’s life will be designed and embroidered by Perthshire Embroiderers Guild at a fraction of the commercial cost.

These will be stitched to the curtains, which form an almost permanent backdrop to the small stage area at the library theatre in a bid to raise Soutar’s profile.

Though he too backed the application for funds, Hillyland councillor Dave Scott warned that the Soutar curtains could be at odds with the conference business the library often hosts.

He said a sterile, “negative” environment was called for by delegates, who did not want to be distracted from their presentations.

“The library could lose business if this is not a negative area,” he said.

However, Mrs Lennie responded, “This is our library and William Soutar is one of our poets. I believe this will be a great thing.

“Okay, we may lose a little on conferences but it will be worth it to support Soutar.”

Committee chairman Callum Gillies said consideration could be given to ways to cover up the curtain panels should this be required for conference business.

The councillors said the work would not only promote awareness of William Soutar, but also support and showcase a local skills base.

“This is a very worthwhile project that honours Soutar in a local way that will invite people in to support and look at Soutar,” councillor Lorraine Caddell said.

“It is also a very reasonable cost for the type of work we are talking about. It would not be achievable commercially for this cost.”

Councillor Archie MacLellan added, “We all want to promote Soutar and these curtains will be seen on a continual basis within the library.”

In a snub for Perth and Kinross writer in residence Ajay Close, the committee unanimously rejected a bid for funding for a three-day drama, dance and poetry extravaganza in celebration of Soutar’s work.

Nearly £12,000 had been requested to support the event, but committee members described it as “a waste of money.”

Ms Close said she had not given up on plans for the Soutar Spectacular, which would be staged every two years with input from different writers-in-residence.

The event was billed as a “unique and innovative piece” exploring different aspects of the life and work of William Soutar.

Scripted by the writer in residence, based at The Soutar House, it features a range of formats, including drama, dance and poetry.

Three venues had been identified—The Soutar House in Craigie, St John’s Kirk and the Kinnoull Kirkyard—while local professionals and community members would form the cast and crew.

It was planned to stage the event over three nights, with an audience of around 180.

However, the £11,700 plans did not find favour with councillors.

Councillor Alexander Stewart said, “This is quite a substantial amount of money for a very limited audience over just three nights. I find the sum quite excessive.”

Mr MacLellan was even more succinct, adding, “This is simply a waste of money.

“We can use this money in far more effective ways.”

Meanwhile, Councillor John Flynn said, “Soutar does not have the place in Scottish literature that he should have.

“In the future, if groups come to us with worthwhile schemes then the common good will support them.”