Cittaslow status would help promote Perth's local produce

It is hoped that the Fair City winning Cittaslow status would help retain its identity during a time of change.

Cittaslow, which means "slow city", began in Italy during 1999 and aims to improve life in small towns.

Its philosophy also encourages diversity among towns with less than 50,000 inhabitants.

Perth and Kinross Council enterprise convener Alan Livingstone said Cittaslow answered concerns that small towns undergoing development would lose their vibrancy.

'Attractive goal'

He said: "Perth and Kinross is ideal for this initiative because of the wealth of produce made here, and because of the wonderful environment of the area.

"The Cittaslow scheme would help us to make the most of the area's terrific assets for the good of everyone who lives here."

The move to join other Cittaslow UK towns, which include Ludlow in Shropshire and Aylsham in Norfolk, has been backed by local economy chiefs.

Murray Duncan, who chairs the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "It is important that there is a strong link between our local rural and urban economies, and Cittaslow's encouragement of the development of local produce and products in local markets is obviously an attractive goal."