The chairman of Perth Civic Trust has called for a united front to remove unsightly shrubbery sprouting from city centre buildings.
Speaking at the heritage watchdog’s Biennial Awards ceremony at the Royal George Hotel, David Maclehose warned the plethora of weeds and trees besmirching many properties could undermine the City of Culture bid.
He said: “Hopefully we can use that as leverage to get something done about the problem in the city centre.
“It is one of my ambitions as chairman of the civic trust to somehow get everyone working together to tackle the issue, including the council and the private sector.”
Mr Maclehose also pleaded with Provost Liz Grant to use her powers to have removed the skeleton of a tree which has been lodged in the river near picturesque Perth Bridge for the last 18 months.
He said: “There are encouraging moves by Perth and Kinross Council to promote the river and reconnect with the Tay.
“And hopefully the council can have that tree trunk removed as it is spoiling a wonderful view.”
David Littlejohn, who is heading-up the Tay Cities Deal, said the built heritage of Perth was to be valued.
But with regard to having shrubs removed from private properties he cautioned: “There are huge insurance issues about interfering with buildings but we will find a way forward. It is about perseverance.”
Provost Grant presented the biennial Civic Trust Award for Restoration and Renovation to the Cunningham Graham Close project which has transformed a rundown High Street tenement dating back to the 17th Century.
It was accepted by Isobel Butt, chair of the High Street Owners’ Association and property owner Duncan Cameron, along with architect Paul Higginson of Arc Architects.
The 2016 entries were judged by Mark Hopton, an award-winning conservation specialist and partner in LDN Architects, Edinburgh, and Steve Brady, manager of the Scottish Civic Trust, who was present at yesterday’s ceremony.
Commendations were awarded to Sam and Kim Wightman of Kisa’s for their Mill Street restaurant conversion and also to manager Gordon Paterson and Strathmore Hotels to mark the external refurbishment of The Salutation Hotel.
Provost Grant and Mr Brady said the various projects had contributed hugely to the city’s amenities and streetscape.
