People are being given the chance to become part of Perth’s history – and future – by naming the new £26.5 million national museum in City Hall.
Opening in 2024, the new museum will explore the stories that put Perth and Kinross at the heart of Scotland’s history.
The new museum will house the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, an object of UK and Scottish importance used to crown Kings and Queens since the 9th century. It will be free to visit.
The public are being asked to suggest their favourite name by picking up a leaflet at any Culture Perth and Kinross Library or Perth Museum and Art Gallery, at Perth and Kinross Council buildings, as well as businesses throughout the Fair City. Suggestions can also be submitted online using the following link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/cpkmuseumnaming
Schools across Perth and Kinross are being invited to take part as well, with colouring sheets and wordsearches to help students understand the range of objects that will be available to see.
A video has been produced that is available online and on social media, revealing the building work being undertaken and the objects that will be in the new space.
The final name will be announced in Summer 2022.
Helen Smout, Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, said: “This new museum will be a museum not only for the city, but for all the residents of Perth and Kinross, and we want their help in the search to find the right name. We want to hear what the public would like to call this iconic building”.
Perth & Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle added: “This is a great opportunity for the people of Perth and Kinross to get involved in creating a lasting legacy for Perth, Scotland and the UK.”
“This is a hugely exciting project, and I am sure we will receive some fantastic suggestions of possible names over the next few weeks.”
Work on the new museum is already well underway, with construction being overseen by BAM Construction.
For decades, the City Hall building has been an important cultural and political landmark in Perth. It has hosted everything from political conferences to rock concerts and wrestling matches. Margaret Thatcher and Arthur Scargill both delivered speeches in the City Hall, while bands such as The Who, Siouxie and the Banshees and Belle and Sebastian have also graced its stage.
Perth City Hall, which will be managed in partnership between Perth and Kinross Council and Culture Perth and Kinross, is supported by £10 million from the UK Government as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal – a £700 million regional investment programme jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments and regional partners.