Perth should follow Krakow

Sir, - Having been at a meeting in the Royal George Hotel, Perth, and listened with great interest to all the comments and discussions regarding Perth city centre, it is indeed a huge economic concern, especially for the private businesses which are suffering from various contributing factors.

As we own property in Perth, naturally we are concerned.

I was just on the point of making a suggestion when the meeting drew to a close, but privately mentioned it to Murdo Fraser and Alexander Stewart that, indeed, the heart of Perth is the City Hall.

Having blown hot and cold on its future, I now see it as the focal point of the city and the potential catalyst to revive trading and interest in the city centre

Krakow in Poland, which had to re-invent itself after the war, is now a huge draw to tourists and locals.

In the centre of the old square stands a church and beside it a beautiful building called the Sukiennice which is one of the main attractions for tourists and locals.

Sukiennice means cloth hall and inside is the most amazing array of the best of Polish products beautifully and tastefully displayed.

Not only Polish costumes and dolls but also traditional food and drink: vodkas of every kind, amber and jewellery, art, decorations, souvenirs and carvings.

It is packed with people buying.

It is so obvious now that a main attraction for tourists and locals could be such a venue in the heart of Perth to showcase the best of Scotland from traditional clothing, to food, drink, whisky, jewellery, art, cashmere and woollens.

If this was displayed tastefully to a high standard and quality, it would not only create new businesses and jobs in town but also rekindle existing businesses.

Around the cloth hall, are many prospering restaurants and hotels, almost a carbon copy from which to glean potential ideas.

It goes without saying that something similar could regenerate the success of Perth and as an added attraction, perhaps the Stone of Destiny could be brought back and given a glass showcase to let the heart of Perth beat again. Ann Sim. The Lawns, Lochty Terrace, Blairgowrie.