Why Perth and Kinross?
There are a number of reasons why we believe Perth is eminently
suited to be the first Cittaslow town in Scotland
and Perth and Kinross deserves to be the UK's first
Cittaslow Supporter area.
Perth and Perth and Kinross have long 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 and best known in the country. Regular markets
also now take place in Blairgowrie, Crieff and Logierait.
- Perth and Kinross is famed for producing over half of the soft
fruit grown in Scotland. The local climate of cool winters and warm
summers is ideal for fruit production.
- A Perthshire Produce Guide ? "A Taste of Perthshire" has been
produced to highlight quality local producers, as well as retail
outlets and places to eat where local produce is sold or
served.
- Perth and Kinross has one of the highest recycling and
composting rates in Scotland, and has won national awards for its
recycling initiatives. Most householders have access to a full
Kerbside Recycling Service that allows them to recycle cans,
plastics, paper and cardboard in one bin, and food and garden waste
in another helping to achieve a 47% recycling and composting rate
for 2010/2011. There are currently 89 public Recycling Points and 8
Recycling Centres throughout Perth and Kinross allowing residents
to recycle items ranging from car & household batteries, glass
bottles & jars and unwanted electrical items to cardboard,
carpets, scrap metal and plasterboard.
- Perth & Kinross Council is an active partner in BIONES
(Biomass Partnership East of Scotland), which was set up to
stimulate interest in biomass energy. A number of new local
schools have been built using local wood supplies as biomass
heating.
- Perth has been a Scotland and Britain in Bloom Champion on a
number of occasions in recognition of its well managed green
spaces.
- A variety of healthy eating initiatives are underway in schools
across Perth and Kinross. These include replacing fizzy drinks in
vending machines with fresh fruit juice, using local soft fruit in
dinner menus, and reducing the fat, sugar and salt content of
school dinners.
- Perth and Kinross has the only 2-Star Michelin restaurant in
Scotland and a number of Perth restaurants have won national awards
and recognition.
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 and 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 awareness of and interest in healthy living, good quality
locally produced food and active participation in volunteering and
community activities.
