Perth's city status case debated

Perth wants to become Scotland's seventh city

Perth's bid for city status has been debated by MPs in the House of Commons.

Supporters said the town - celebrating its 800th anniversary this year - has an "irresistible" claim to secure its place as Scotland's next city.

Perth is an "ecclesiastical city" because it has a cathedral, but is legally considered a town.

There are currently plans to create one new city to mark the Queen's Diamond jubilee year in 2012.

The debate at Westminster was secured by Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart.

The SNP MP said: "Perth has an irresistible claim to secure its place as Scotland's next official city, and this debate is a great opportunity to make that case and build on the work done in raising Perth's profile during the 800 years anniversary.

"It is disappointing that the UK government is only offering city status to one candidate from across all of the UK.

"It would have been far better to initiate separate competitions in each of the nations - as in the golden jubilee competitions or multiple cities from across the UK as happened in the millennium competition."

Perth and Kinross Council launched a claim for formal city status in 2005 after a search of its archives uncovered the "Golden Charter" of 1600 to back its claim.

Scotland currently has six cities. The newest being Stirling and Inverness which joined Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

City status is a reserved matter and is granted by the Queen under royal prerogative on advice from ministers.