AN INTERNATIONAL Youth Tattoo in Perth next year could prove a major tourist attraction, councillors heard yesterday.

As part of a tourism review, members of the enterprise and infrastructure committee were told the landmark event had been created as a local contribution to the National Year of Homecoming established to attract visitors to Scotland.

The youth tattoo has been developed by council officers in conjunction with Brigadier Melville Jameson, a former producer of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

It has secured a grant commitment of £40,000 from EventScotland.

The proposed dates are September 4, 5 and 6.

It will feature a broad range of music and performance from youth bands and young performers drawn from the UK and overseas to showcase the best of traditional Scottish music and dance alongside international acts. It is envisaged that 300 performers will be involved.

“It is anticipated that the event will attract an audience of 7000 per night, with the tattoo promoted to UK and international markets,” said Jim Irons, executive director (environment) in a report to the committee.

Councillor Willie Wilson welcomed the event, which he said might be put on at McDiarmid Park.

In addition to the tattoo there were many significant events staged locally including T in the Park, Blair Castle International Horse Trials and the Etape Caledonia cycle event.

The Etape brought in over £400,000 to the economy this year—and it was agreed by the committee yesterday that it should be held in Highland Perthshire for the next five years.

Councillors also approved a grant of £15,000 for communities to organise promotional events and activities around next year’s Etape.

The Etape Caledonia closed-road mass cycle event first took place in Highland Perthshire in June last year, and ran for the second time in May.

Some people welcomed the influx of visitors and the financial boost, but a number of people complained about the disruption.

A report on this year’s event revealed there were 1702 participants, with 2592 spectators which attracted a net economic impact of £416,885 for Perth and Kinross.

Some 84% of visitors said they were likely to return to the area outwith the event over the next three years.

Committee convener councillor John Kellas said, “These excellent results show the huge benefits the Etape Caledonia has already brought to Highland Perthshire, and the extent to which the event has already grown.”

He said any problems had to be looked at and communities should be further encouraged to ensure they benefit from the event.

Ideas being discussed for next year’s event include a cycling festival in Aberfeldy, an endurance cycle up Glen Quaich and a community event in Kinloch Rannoch.

Councillor Bob Ellis said he could see a time when the event could be stretched to a week.