Perth and Kinross Cittaslow
Cittaslow is an international network of over 100 European towns where good food, local produce and traditional production methods are at the heart of ensuring the highest possible quality of life for local residents and visitors alike.
The network grew out of the Slow Food movement and derives its name from the Italian for
"Slow Cities
".
Cittaslow aims to encourage all sections of the community to enjoy healthy eating and healthy living through raising awareness of how quality of life can be enhanced by good food, excellent hospitality, the protection and improvement of the environment, and the promotion of local producers and traditional production values.
Every town that applies to join
Cittaslow is assessed against over 60 different criteria that are grouped under 6 main headings -
- Environment policies.
- Infrastructure policies.
- Enhancing the quality of the urban fabric.
- Celebrating and promoting local produce and local products.
- Hospitality & Community.
- Communicating awareness and understanding of Cittaslow.
Ludlow in Shropshire was the UK's first Cittaslow town and, in 2006, three further towns joined the network - Aylsham and Diss in Norfolk, and Mold in North Wales.
In November 2006, Perth and Kinross was officially recognised as the UK's first Cittaslow Supporter, a status that is open to regions, businesses and organisations that are not eligible for full Cittaslow membership.
In March 2007, we were delighted when Perth was invited to join the network as Scotland's first Cittaslow town.
The process of assessment for Cittaslow membership was rigorous and lengthy. A local Steering Group involving all sections of the community was set up to co-ordinate Perth's membership bid, which took the best part of nine months to finalise.
Both Perth's and Perth and Kinross's Cittaslow membership applications were supported and assisted by Perth and Kinross Council and Scottish Enterprise Tayside.
Further information about Perth's membership of the Cittaslow network can be accessed by clicking on the links to the left of this page. There are also links to further information about Cittaslow and Slow Food.
