A BID to maximise the tourist and economic gain for Perth from its twinning links with Poland will be made when a delegation from the Fair City visits Bydgoszcz this month.

Perth and Kinross provost Dr John Hulbert and Councillor John Kellas, the council’s enterprise and infrastructure convener, will take part in the twinning visit before a Polish group makes the return journey in March.

Dr Hulbert will be looking to maximise the cultural links between Perth and Bydgoszcz, with Mr Kellas seeking to develop the potential for economic and tourist gain.

The provost said, “In March next year the Bydgoszcz Philharmonic Orchestra, which is named after one of Poland’s musical and political heroes, Ignacy Paderewski, will visit Perth, and take part in the Polish spring series of concerts.

“During the upcoming twinning visit I will be meeting Mrs Eleanora Harendarska, the head of the orchestra, to discuss the programme for their concert.

“I will also meet with Mr Peter Lysac, head of Teatr Polski.

“In addition, I will visit the crannog site at Lake Biskumin, where there is a world famous museum.

“Technicians from this museum will come to Perth during the winter to help with the repair of the crannog on Loch Tay.

“There will also be a meeting with Mr Terpilowski, from the Polish Union for the Blind, which has a long association with its counterpart in Perth.”

The busy schedule will see Mr Kellas meeting representatives of the University of the Economy, dedicated to developing tourism.

Mr Kellas said, “Tourism is a burgeoning industry in Eastern Europe, and especially in Poland. Financial circumstances there are improving, and many of the wealthier people are keen to explore the UK, and especially Scotland.

“I am hoping to invite a group of Polish travel writers to visit Perth next year, and show them our city, and its surrounding countryside, our Scottish cuisine, and our superb potential for canoeing, climbing, golfing and hill walking.

“Perth and Kinross needs to maximise this exciting opportunity to showcase what a wonderful destination it is for tourists.”