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Perth Civic Trust Online
February 15, 2008
Planning
As usual the Planning Committee checks all applications submitted to the Planning Department each week and follows up those which we believe are of particular interest and concern. Our most recent, and principal, concern is the proposed High Street/Mill Street re-development. Whilst welcoming the demolition of the Woolworth’s building, which is of no merit, and its replacement by an attractive looking street of smaller shops with varied frontages, we deplore the proposed demolition of part of the Pullar’s building and its replacement by a huge bland extension to the multi storey car park which will adversely affect the setting of the Concert Hall and Fair Maid's House. We have submitted an objection. We are pleased that the Toll House on Perth Bridge looks set for a new lease of life – it is proposed to convert it into two flats whilst retaining the frontage. With regards to the proposals for Murray Royal Hospital we are awaiting developments. We are concerned about the reports that St. Mary’s Monastery intends to sell off more land for housing and await further details. Finally, it is disappointing to note the lack of progress on George Street (inappropriate colour schemes in a conservation area) and the Old Academy (signage erected on a listed building without planning consent) despite us bringing these matters to the Planner’sattention in 2006.
Cairncross Trophy
Many long standing members of Perth Civic Trust will remember the Cairncross Trophy – a miniature silver gilt replica of the Coronation Chair which was gifted to Perth Civic Trust by Jimmie and Alastair Cairncross. For many years this was used as an award for local schools to encourage them to undertake projects involving Perth and its history. It was a popular award until the late 1980’s when schools no longer seemed to have the time or the inclination to compete for it. In 1993 the Trophy was given to the then newly formed Perth in Bloom to be used as an award for local schools by encouraging them to develop garden areas. It was then renamed the Cairncross Perpetual Trophy. Sadly in the last few years even interest in that has dwindled and last year we were told that Perth in Bloom had no further use for it. Following discussion with various parties, in particular Mary Cairncross, it was decided to present the Trophy to Perth Museum and Art Gallery. They were delighted to accept this and intend to display it as and when appropriate. Rhoda Fothergill is compiling a list of the winners of the Trophy which the Museum will use as a checklist when deciding when and how to display the Trophy.
Booklet on Historic Shopfronts
Members will remember reading in the last issue of the Newsletter that we had agreed to sponsor the latest booklet in the series produced by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust. The booklet, “The Historic Shopfronts of Perth: An Architectural History”, has now been published and, so far, all who have seen it are most enthusiastic. It is a 36 page full colour publication, written by Dr. Lindsay Lennie of Historic Scotland, and is a comprehensive account of the development of shops in Perth using a rich array of images and archive material to bring to life the changing face of the shopfronts and streets of Perth. The booklet makes fascinating reading and there are some wonderful photographs which are sure to nudge many memories! The booklet is being officially launched by the Provost on February 14th in the Lecture Theatre of the A.K. Bell Library and the launch will be preceded by a short presentation by the author, Dr. Lindsay Lennie. The evening commences at 6.00pm and will finish by 7.30pm. Members of Perth Civic Trust are invited to the evening but spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to attend please phone Steven Timoney of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust on 01738 477089 as soon as possible. Copies of the booklet will be available at the launch and we also have a number of copies available for our members. If you would like a copy please apply to Sue Hendry, Tors, Fairies Lane, Perth PH1 1NN and enclose a self addressed C5 envelope with a standard 1st or 2nd class stamp.
