Annex 1, Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross is the fourth largest geographical area in Scotland, in the heart of Scotland. It
covers a geographical area of around 5,286 km² (Highland Perthshire, Eastern Perthshire, Perth City,
Strathearn and Kinross-shire) and has an estimated population of 149,520. Over the past 10 years,
the area has experienced the second highest population growth in Scotland (9.5%) which is more
than 3 times the national average.
Despite increased demand on public services, levels of economic deprivation within Perth and
Kinross are relatively low. In 2012, six areas were considered to be within the 15% most deprived
areas in Scotland. These are located in North Perth City and Rattray in Blairgowrie.
The economy of Perth and Kinross is dominated by small businesses which account for around half
the workforce. Tourism supports 13% of employment and is worth over £400 million a year to our
economy. Over 2 million visitors a year are attracted by the environment and the historic heritage of
the area.
The Perth and Kinross population has an average life expectancy of 79.1 years which is higher than
the national average and older people aged 65+ make up 20% of the total. The number of older
people has increased by 14% since 2001. This trend is projected to continue and the needs of this
age group have become more complex.
Scotland’s oldest repertory company was based at Perth Theatre, and together with Pitlochry
Festival Theatre the area is now home to two producing houses. Perth Museum and Art Gallery has
art collections of National Recognition Status and is part of the UK Artists Rooms network supported
by The Art Fund, National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. The Birks in Aberfeldy was a community led
cinema refurbishment now run as a social enterprise and the Birnam Institute is home to Birnam
Arts a vibrant volunteer led organisation.
The Council’s Cultural Strategy sets out three key aims which are being delivered through
collaboration between Horsecross Arts and other organisations represented in the Place Partnership
with Creative Scotland:
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Culture as the means of extending learning in its broadest sense, including the principles
of Curriculum for Excellence
Culture as integral to vibrant and sustainable local communities
Cultural tourism and creative industries as integral to a growing and diverse local
cultural economy
Voluntary Sector Partners
Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) is a charity that improves the quality of
life for the people of Perth & Kinross through four main service areas - Carers; Mental Wellbeing;
Minority Ethnic Communities and Voluntary Action Perthshire.
Voluntary Action Perthshire is a department of PKAVS and fulfils the function of the Third Sector
Interface for Perth & Kinross. They are funded by the Scottish Government and Perth & Kinross
Council to provide four key functions:
 support, develop and represent the third sector
 support, develop and represent social enterprises
 support, develop and represent volunteering
 support and promote third sector engagement with the Community Planning Partnership
There is vibrant professional and voluntary arts sector within Perth and Kinross. Music and visual
arts are particularly strong and a number of voluntary groups and associations have developed such
as, Perthshire Visual Arts Forum, Perthshire Open Studios, Perthshire Arts Association, Perth
Operatic, Perth Symphony Orchestra, the Encore Choir, Embroidery Guilds, Gaelic Choir, StART and
BOOKMARK Festivals to name just a few.