Rolling landscapes, ancient civilisations and the impact of migrant communities are at the heart of Perth’s bid for the coveted City of Culture crown.
The crucial application to the 2021 contest, which could unlock a multi-million-pound boost for the region, was hand-delivered to government ministers on Thursday night.
Perth pioneers Andy Chan and Jim Mackintosh took the train to London to pass on the 30-page document – with the heading Beyond the Fair City – to officials at the department of culture, media and sport.
Perth is up against 10 other places across Britain for the lucrative title. The winner stands to make an estimated £60 million through 365 days of live events, attractions, shows and exhibitions.
Perth and Kinross Council has been preparing the bid since its campaign launch in August, last year.
Details of the application are being kept under wraps – council leaders don’t want anyone stealing their ideas – but Perth’s unique status as the UK’s oldest and newest cities is expected to be at the forefront of the bid.
It will also highlight scenic, rural areas around the Fair City – something that the other competitors don’t have.
Bid leader Fiona Robertson said: “We started by focusing on what makes Perth and the wider city region truly distinctive, historically, culturally and socially.
“Obvious inspirations were Perth’s place at the heart of Scotland’s story and Scotland’s ancient capital; the extraordinary landscapes and wild places which surround the city; and how it has been a place of crossing points and meeting places over time. Perth has welcomed migrant communities from across the world for centuries.”
She said: “We talked to people and communities across Perth and Kinross, asking them what makes them proud to live in the area.
“We ran roadshows in localities and workshops in primary and secondary schools. The thoughts and ideas which came back – thousands of them – helped shape our bid themes and ideas for 2021 projects.”
Ideas also came from workshops led by local organisations including Horsecross Arts and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Ms Robertson added: “Visitors to Perth in 2021, if we’re lucky enough to win, can expect to see outstanding, creative work presented in the unique landscapes and wild places across the region, a big focus on our living heritage and how our past has shaped our future, as well as innovative use of new and emerging technology to bring culture to many new audiences – not just in Scotland but across the world.”
Provost Liz Grant said the bid was a chance to help bolster the region’s reputation around the globe.
“It’s an exciting day for Perth,” she said. “Perth’s bid is different to the usual approach to cultural regeneration: We want to use culture to address the complex needs of small cities and large towns that can sometimes be overlooked.
“At the moment, too much of our local talent is leaving for the big cities. But working together with communities, harnessing the power of new technologies and bringing world class cultural opportunities to everyone will revitalise our small businesses and make Perth the place to be for creative, entrepreneurial people.”
