Hansard

Perhaps I can bring the debate back to Perth from George Adam’s galaxy far, far away in Paisley. I congratulate Liz Smith on securing the debate and thank her for the opportunity to contribute.

It is just three years since Perth was awarded city status as part of the Queen’s golden jubilee celebrations. I believe that the city is well placed to be named UK city of culture 2021. I remember the long-fought campaign for city status for Perth, which was fought with cross-party backing, and it is good that the current campaign also has cross-party support. To have politicians from all sides unite in support of the bid to become UK city of culture will be hugely important in taking that forward.

Despite becoming Scotland’s newest city, Perth is actually one of the country’s oldest. The birth of our nation and Perth’s story are closely wrapped together. In a tale so gruesome that it could feature in an episode of “Game of Thrones”, Kenneth MacAlpin slaughtered his Pictish rivals at the dinner table in Scone and therefore became first king of Scots. For the next 800 years, Scone palace served as the coronation location for all Scotland’s monarchs. Perth’s interesting and sometimes bloody history is well represented throughout the city thanks to the museums and other cultural hotspots.

As we have heard, one attraction that traces Perth’s history through the ages is the museum and art gallery. Perth museum has all bases covered, from the Romans to Scottish art, including a recent acquisition of an Alison Watt piece, and it is also facing the exciting prospect of a new redevelopment. The Black Watch museum, which is near the city centre, recently underwent a massive restoration programme.

In terms of culture, Perth is of course the birthplace of John Buchan, one of Scotland’s greatest writers. He is famous for, among other things, his biography of the first Marquis of Montrose, who I believe is still a popular subject for biographers, especially those with a Perth connection.

History is everywhere in Perth. Richard III was famously dug up from underneath a car park in Leicester, and many historians believe that Perth also has a dead monarch lying underneath the streets. Following his murder in Perth, historians have long argued that James I lies buried under the streets of Perth. I perhaps would not advocate digging up the streets to search for him—although some people have proposed just that—but shovels will hit the ground near the city centre as part of a major leisure and arts redevelopment. As Liz Smith mentioned, the Mill Street car park is set for major private sector investment in a regeneration project that is likely to bring a leisure complex complete with a cinema, gym, restaurants and shops. Encouraging such private sector investors to get involved will be incredibly important.

Despite all those future plans and existing attractions, Perth is in many ways Scotland’s forgotten city. As other areas across the country have been handed generous support and investment, Perth for the most part has been left to its own devices. People in Perth have looked on with envy as Dundee has received substantial public investment by way of the Victoria and Albert museum and the waterfront development. Perth needs similar support, and attaining UK city of culture status would be the perfect springboard to attract more investors.

Finally, digital infrastructure must also improve if Perth is to be a serious contender. A modern city is online and interconnected. Google maps, TripAdvisor and Yelp are today’s guidebooks, and Perth must be able to deliver them to visitors on demand and on the move. Sadly, however, too much of Perth continues to lag behind, with broadband and internet speeds falling way behind what is expected in the 21st century. That needs to be improved.

The speeches from members across the chamber have demonstrated that Perth has the attractions to make it the perfect UK city of culture. History, culture and art ooze from every corner. As Liz Smith mentioned, Londonderry/Derry in Northern Ireland has benefited tremendously from city of culture status, and forecasters have predicted that about £60 million could be generated in the local economy from a successful Perth bid. There are many challenges to overcome before that becomes a reality, but I look forward to working with colleagues across the chamber to further Perth’s case for being named the next UK city of culture.