Perth bids to be given city status

PERTH today submitted its bid to be given city status - a title it lost in 1975 as part of a local government shake-up.

Perth has a population of around 45,000

The 50-page application was handed to the UK Cabinet Office this morning by Perth and Kinross Provost Dr John Hulbert and Perth MP Pete Wishart.

Perth's claim is based on its history as Scotland's first capital.

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The bid includes messages of support from the First Minister Alex Salmond.

The town is bidding to be made a city again as part of a UK-wide competition set up to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year.

The winner of the competition is expected to be announced early in 2012.

Dr Hulbert said: "We have reached a crucial stage in our campaign to regain city status for Perth.

"This detailed document sets out clearly why we feel this civic honour should once again be ours, giving a wealth of information which I am sure will be food for thought.

Roseanna Cunningham, MSP for Perthshire South & Kinross-shire, said: "Perth is not looking to be named as a city but for that already existing status to be officially recognised.

"The application document which John and Pete have delivered in London makes it clear why that is the case and why the Fair City would be a worthy winner of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee City Status Competition.