Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, have welcomed the details of the Tay Cities Deal after it was signed in Perth today.
As part of the agreement, the Scottish and UK governments will each invest £150m, with the remainder to be levered from private investors.
Amongst the plans is funding from the UK Government to transform Perth City Hall into a major attraction at the heart of the Fair City.
The deal aims to create a further 6,000 jobs across the region whilst securing significant investment from private sector companies. These include plans for the nation's first forensic science research centre as well as a cybersecurity centre of excellence.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This UK-Scottish Government initiative represents a fantastic boost for the economy in the Perth & Kinross. The investments announced will create and secure jobs and make the area even more successful in years to come.
“I particularly welcome the £10m investment in Perth City Hall from the UK Government. This will aid the transformation of this landmark building in to a much-needed attraction which will bring people in to Perth city centre, helping the under-pressure retail economy.
“The support for Pitlochry Festival Theatre will be vital in boosting the tourist offer in Highland Perthshire, while £45m of UK Government money for the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie will make that world-leading institution even more successful.”
Liz Smith MSP added:
"For years I have campaigned for improvements to Perth bus & rail stations and I am delighted to see a pledge of £15m for a new Interchange project there.
“The UK Government has pledged up to £5.2m for the world’s first advanced plastic reprocessing facility. This builds on the recycling capacity we already have in the area, and would help make Perth & Kinross a world leader in the circular economy.
“I also welcome the funds announced for broadband and 5G – rural connectivity is an issue that constituents raise with me all the time, and this investment will help strengthen the rural economy across Perth & Kinross and improve quality of life for local residents”.