Perth & Kinross Council

The voices of local businesses and residents will be a key part of considering any potential visitor levy scheme for Perth and Kinross. Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convener of our Economy and Infrastructure Committee explained: "The question to committee next week is not about whether or not to introduce a visitor levy scheme. It's about getting the support to start speaking to those most affected about what would need to be taken into consideration so that councillors can make an informed decision before committing to a local approach. "While visitors bring significant benefits to our local economy, there are also associated costs. The Council introduced the Visitor Rangers service because we recognised that investment was needed to support responsible tourism, and minimise the impact of visitors on our year-round residents. "With growing demands for critical services such as health and social care, supporting pupils with additional support needs, and tackling poverty, we have a duty to explore any opportunities for additional sources of income which can then be invested to support growing our visitor economy. That would then allow core funding to be focused on the services which are needed by the most vulnerable people in our communities." If approved by committee the early engagement process will last between 6 and 10 months. A full report from the feedback received, along with a draft Visitor Levy Scheme developed during the engagement, would then be presented to councillors in December 2025 to consider whether or not to proceed with introducing a scheme. If approved in December, a statutory consultation period of 12 weeks and then an 18-month implementation would follow. As a result, the earliest possible date for a scheme being introduced would be Summer 2027. The committee meeting agenda and report are available in full on our website at: https://lnkd.in/e_XBf_n3

We’re looking forward to welcoming the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, hosted by Skills Development Scotland, to Perth on 27 February. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to help our young people to achieve their full potential, one of our corporate priorities. And, we’re looking forward to celebrating along with everyone involved in the awards. As we approach Scottish Apprenticeship Week we’ll also be using our social media channels to share stories from our own Modern Apprentices about their experiences starting a career as part of #TeamPKC #ScotAppWeek25 #MadeForBusiness

Wishing everyone who celebrates a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year as we welcome the Year of the Snake. Kung Hei Fat Choi!🐍

There's still time to apply for one of the fantastic courses offered through the Multiply Project. If you live in the Perth and Kinross area, are aged 19 or over, and don't already have a Maths qualification at National 5, Grade C, you are eligible to take part. If you are aged 16-18 and not in education, employment, or training, you are also eligible. 📚 Courses Offered: Numeracy Skillsboost Maths Skillsboost Personal Finance Financial Skills for Small Businesses Numbers for a Career in Childcare Numeracy for Healthcare Essential Numeracy for Employability Preparing for Aptitude Tests (Fire Service, Royal Navy, Police Scotland) Intermediate Mathematics Foundations No matter your goals, the Multiply Project is here to support you. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/e2fM_7jJ Multiply Perth

Following Storm Eowyn last week, Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, has thanked community groups, residents, and Council staff for their response in supporting and working with communities during the storm and power cuts. He said: “I’d like to thank everyone who helped in the response to Storm Eowyn and the recovery afterwards. “We saw a fantastic response across Perth and Kinross in what were often very difficult conditions. “Workers were out supporting residents, clearing fallen trees, and helping make damaged buildings secure. I’d also like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during the storm, as well as community resilience groups and all the other organisations involved in supporting people through the worst of the storm.” We appreciate your patience and cooperation during what was a challenging time for many. Pictured: 1. Councillor Grant Laing 2. A PKC staff member helping a rural elderly resident without electricity by shovelling coal.

Another excellent opportunity to #Inspire, #Inform and #Connect with tourism businesses below 👇

Today, 27 January, we solemnly observe Holocaust Memorial Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, where 6 million Jews were murdered. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. To honour these significant anniversaries, Smeaton’s Bridge and St Paul’s in Perth will be illuminated in purple tonight. Provost of Perth and Kinross Xander McDade and our Equalities Lead, Councillor Peter Barrett are encouraging people to show their support as well. The Provost said: “It is important that we learn from and about the past and take steps to make a better future for everyone. “By dispelling the darkness of prejudice and hatred we can bear witness for the communities who suffered attempted genocide across the world, speak up against the denial and distortion of these horrendous occurrences, challenge prejudice and encourage others to learn about the Holocaust and more recent genocides.” Councillor Barrett added: “Coming together enables us to highlight that these kinds of events should never be allowed to happen again, and to honour the survivors and everyone whose lives were changed beyond recognition. “I would encourage our residents to show their support and #LightTheDarkness, by placing a candle in their window at 8pm tonight.” 

UPDATE: These tickets are now sold out. Thank you. A fantastic opportunity to walk both through and over the new Destiny Bridge which is due to open in Spring 2025. More details below ⬇️

Read Invest in Perth's latest monthly bulletin below ⬇️

The first step is often asking for help! 🤝 If you or someone you know is worried about any of these issues, drop in and talk to one of the friendly advisors at Perth Civic Hall on Saturday February 1st. Courtesy of PKC, bus travel is also free on the first Saturday of the month too so drop in anytime between 10am - 1pm!🚐 If you have any additional queries please contact: Juana.Sahagun@pkavs.org.uk Michael.Marley@ne.homeenergyscotland.org