Cittaslow in Perth
There are a number of reasons why Perth is eminently suited to
be the first
Cittaslow town in
Scotland.
Perth has led the way in a number of projects and initiatives that
link into different
Cittaslow membership criteria.
For example ?
- Perth Farmers' Market was the first in
Scotland and remains one of the largest in the country.
- Over 80% of Perth & Kinross is agricultural land.
- Perth & Kinross is famed for producing over 90% of all the
soft fruit produced in Scotland. This is celebrated through the
annual Berryfest festival.
- Perth & Kinross Council have launched a ?Buy Local,
Eat Local? initiative to encourage people to buy more
quality local produce. This initiative has also been promoted at
the Royal Highland Show.
- A Perthshire Produce Guide has been produced
to highlight quality local producers.
- The Perthshire Organics Network of over 70
organic farmers is one of the largest networks of its kind in
Scotland.
- There is a growing network of high quality Farm
Shops selling fresh, seasonal produce around Perth.
- Perth & Kinross has one of the highest waste recycling
rates in Scotland and has won national awards for its recycling
initiatives.
- A variety of healthy eating initiatives are underway in schools
across Perth & Kinross.
- Perth & Kinross has the only 2-Star Michelin restaurant in
Scotland and a number of Perth restaurants have won national awards
and recognition.
- Perth College is a recognised national leader in tourism and
hospitality training.
We appreciate that Perth still has some way to go to fully meet
all of the Cittaslow membership criteria. However,
we believe existing initiatives such as those outlined above give
us a platform on which we can build. We hope that being members of
Cittaslow will provide fresh impetus for new and
enhanced projects that improve the quality of life for all local
residents and visitors.
We also hope that being a Cittaslow city will
raise wide public interest in healthy living, good quality locally
produced food and active participation in volunteering and
community activities.
