During Ministers’ Question Time today (15 March), Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has praised the work of the Lord Lieutenant Mel Jameson and Provost John Hulbert for gaining city status for Perth. In the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament, Murdo Fraser asked what benefits Perth having city status will bring to the local and national economy. In the Chamber, Murdo Fraser said: “I echo the expressions of thanks to the Provost John Hulbert and to the Lord Lieutenant, Mel Jameson. “Now is an excellent time to be associated with the city of Perth. I hope that the Scottish Government is looking forward to working with Perth on its Growth Strategy as our newest city.” In response, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Sustainable Growth John Swinney MSP stated that with city status, Perth can now nurture its own distinct city role in Scotland. John Swinney also used the opportunity to publicly thank Lord Lieutenant Mel Jameson and Provost John Hulbert. Afterwards, Murdo Fraser said: “It is important that the work and effort of the Lord Lieutenant, Brigadier Mel Jameson, and the Provost, John Hulbert, in gaining city status for Perth be put on record due to their unwavering service and dedication. “Perth is now officially a city again and our area is a distinctive region. Perth can now nurture its own distinct city identity and it is important that Perth has a central role in the economic development of Scotland. City status enhances Perth on the national and international stage and Perth will use its new status to the benefit of the whole of Perth & Kinross.” ENDS Murdo Fraser has lodged a parliamentary motion congratulating the City of Perth gaining city status, which has the backing of all political parties. That the Parliament welcomes Perth gaining official city status as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations; acknowledges that Perth gaining city status allows Perth to become Scotland’s seventh city; believes city status will boost Perth’s local economy and enhance the city’s national and international standing; congratulates Perth & Kinross Council for all their work and effort in submitting and promoting Perth’s city status bid; recognises that the whole of Scotland got behind the Perth city status bid and thanks everyone involved in the campaign, including the general public, Perth businesses, civic society, the local media and politicians from all political parties; and that Perth can look forward to its future with its rightful and official title as the City of Perth For more information please contact Sam McMillan on 0131 348 5293