Perth and Kinross Cittaslow
THE STORY TO DATE
Perth and Kinross has always been one of Scotland's most
important agricultural areas, producing much of the food that
people all over the UK enjoy.
Both Perth & Kinross Council and Scottish Enterprise, the
local economic development agency, have always provided a great
deal of support and assistance to local businesses in the food and
drink sector, which is viewed as being key to the local
economy.
In late 2005, both agencies jointly commissioned a study to
identify ways in which other areas of the UK support and promote
their local food and drink businesses. It was hoped that we
could learn from best practice elsewhere in the country.
This study highlighted how Ludlow had gained
Cittaslow status and outlined the benefits that
this had brought to the town. The study also highlighted how
Cittaslow could support wider local initiatives in
areas such as waste management and environmental protection.
In mid 2006, it was agreed to put Perth forward as an applicant
for Cittaslow membership. A local Steering Group
was formed to manage this application. This comprised
representatives from over a dozen local business and community
organisations. Local figureheads such as MPs and MSPs also
expressed their support for Perth joining the
Cittaslow network.
As well as putting Perth forward to be a
Cittaslow town, the Steering Group also agreed to
nominate Perth and Kinross to be a Cittaslow
Supporter. This is a designation that is used in Europe to
recognise larger areas or regions that support
Cittaslow principles but are not eligible to
officially join the network. Perth and Kinross was officially
recognised as the UK's first Cittaslow Supporter
in November 2006.
This was followed by Perth being recognised as Scotland's first
Cittaslow town in March 2007.
In Perth we quickly realised that becoming a
Cittaslow town is really just the start of our
Cittaslow journey, rather than an end in itself.
Therefore, our local Steering Group has continued to meet regularly
and had expanded its membership in order to agree and progress new
initiatives that reinforce Perth's Cittaslow
credentials.
We regularly monitor our performance against the 60
Cittaslow membership criteria in order to ensure
that we continue to deliver the highest possible quality of life
for local residents and visitors.
Perth has received a great deal of positive publicity through
being Scotland's first Cittaslow town and, in
2008, local representatives were invited to a reception at the
Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to recognise this achievement and
the hard work that many people have put into achieving this
status.
Please explore this website to obtain further information about
the various local initiatives and activities that we are
undertaking to ensure that Perth and Perth and Kinross continue to
live up to the principles and aspirations of the international
Cittaslow movement.
