Perth is cementing its reputation as a “university city”.
Council bosses have unveiled new gateway signs to celebrate the city’s relationship with Perth College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
Perth College is the largest of the institution’s academic partners and last year there were around 3,000 undergraduates studying in the city. The college is key to Perth’s long-standing plan to become one of Europe’s great small cities.
Council leader Ian Campbell said the college was an important factor in future plans for the Fair City.
“Perth and Kinross Council values and recognises the contribution Perth College UHI and its students make to this community,” he said.
“It is very pleasing that so many young people have chosen to gain an education in Perth and we appreciate their contribution to the city in terms of investment, diversity and vibrancy making Perth an attractive place to live, work and study.”
In partnership with Perth College UHI the local authority has been working to accelerate growth and development across the city, to enhance its economic, social and cultural impact and make it more exciting and cosmopolitan.
The redundant St John’s Primary school building in the city’s Stormont Street is being transformed into a hub for up-and-coming creative talents. Perth College is a key stakeholder in this project.
It’s hoped the hub will become a home to workshops, studios and flexible business spaces and will provide a supporting environment to allow ideas to be nurtured, particularly in creative industries, technology and digital media.
The council wants Perth College to become a more visible and influential presence in the city centre, while encouraging other universities and research centres to establish a presence in the area through satellite learning centres, commercialisation units and other facilities.
College principal Margaret Cook said: “It was good to see the updated signs officially recognising Perth as a university city. It raises the profile both of the city and of Perth College UHI.”
John Bullough, who chairs the Perth City Development Board, added: “One of the key themes of the Perth City Plan, our 20 year vision to make Perth a great small European city, is to enhance our status as a university city.
“Every successful city in the world has a thriving university at its heart and Perth City Development Board look forward to assisting Perth College UHI in the continued development of their further and higher education curriculum.”
