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.
