The City of Perth must be central to the Scottish Government’s economic strategy for Scotland’s development: that is the call from Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser after he raised the matter in the Scottish Parliament. Murdo Fraser lodged several parliamentary questions in the Scottish Parliament, asking the Scottish Government to outline the benefits that Perth will gain from having official city status. In the Parliament, Murdo Fraser has asked for confirmation on what new funding streams are available to Perth and what action is being taken by the Scottish Government to promote Perth across the world now that it has city status. Murdo Fraser originally launched the “Setting up the City” campaign for Perth to gain legal city status in 2004 with fellow Perthshire Conservatives. Murdo Fraser said: “Perth is still on a high after gaining official city status and we will celebrate this accolade throughout the year, especially when HM the Queen visits the city as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. “The Scottish Government need to outline to the people of Perth the role that Scotland’s newest city will have in the economic development of Scotland. I believe that Perth has a central role in the economic development of Scotland and any new funding streams now available must be fully utilised so that we get maximum benefit from city status. “City status also enhances Perth on the national and international stage and Perth will use its new status to the benefit of the whole of Perth & Kinross. I want to know what the Scottish Government and its agencies such as VisitScotland are doing to promote Perth on the international stage.” “It is important that the work and effort of the Lord Lieutenant Brigadier Mel Jameson, Provost John Hulbert and everyone involved in the campaign to gain city status for Perth be put on record due to their unwavering service and dedication. Perth nurturing its own distinct city identity is one reward that we will all see and benefit from as the city moves forward in its bright future.” ENDS Parliamentary questions lodged: To ask the Scottish Executive what new funding streams are available to Perth now that it has city status. To ask the Scottish Executive what role it considers that Perth will have in Scotland’s development now that it is has city status. To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to promote Perth across the world now that it has city status.