Murdo has slammed the loss of Levelling Up funding for Perth, describing the announcement as “a massive blow” to the city.
He had recently raised the issue with the Secretary for State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, when he appeared before the Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee and feels this decision is a “contradiction.”
Commenting, Murdo said: “This is extremely disappointing news, especially after I recently asked the Secretary of State for Scotland as to whether the initiative was off the table. He told me it wasn’t and that it may come back in the UK Labour Government’s Spending Review. So, to be told today that the funding has been withdrawn is a massive blow to Perth and contradicts what he told me.
“This was vital funding that would have helped make three community projects in Perth - the creation of a visitor attraction at Lower City Mills, an exhibition space at The Ironworks and a High Street outlet for micro-producers - a reality. All three projects in Perth would have injected new life into the city centre, providing a much-needed boost to the area. The funding, which was proposed by the last Conservative UK Government, would have benefitted businesses and visitors.”
