Regional Strengths

Perth has a focus on quality of life and opportunities for all.

There is no surprise that 85% of those working in the Perth and Kinross local authority boundaries also choose to live here. We score highly for strategic location and competitive land and commercial rates, residential property prices are highly attractive when compared to Edinburgh’s just a one hour drive away, and we consistently score high in the top ten of the Bank of Scotland’s annual happiness index.

Quality of Life

A good quality of life is essential for ensuring a happy and motivated population, and Perth regularly scores highly on indices reflecting exactly this. Ranked one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland, Perth’s vibrant cultural landscape and scenic surroundings are just two of the reasons that 85% of those working in the city region also choose to live here – competitive house prices are also high on the list.

With a rich heritage, thriving arts and cultural scene, and an evening economy that boasts some of the best restaurants in Scotland, living in the area offers much for the professional family. Coupled with the stunning vistas of Highland Perthshire, Strathearn and Blairgowrie being only 30 – 40 minutes drive from the city, it’s easy to see why Perth and the wider region is considered ‘the place to be’ for the best of both worlds.

Connectivity

Increasingly, Scotland’s key industry sectors require quick, reliable routes for both operational logistics and ease of commuter movement. Perth’s location in the heart of Scotland offers unrivalled links by road, air, rail and sea and it is widely acknowledged that the area is a strategic hub in the Scottish transport network.

Principal road routes connecting the central belt to north and north-east Scotland converge here, with major road connections to all of Scotland’s cities within two hours. This infrastructure is currently undergoing major improvements as part of Perth Transport Futures Project, with an upgraded A9/A85 junction providing better flow of both local and through traffic and a third Tay Crossing.

Perth city is an hour from Edinburgh International Airport with 240 connections quickly connecting the area to major international markets. Additionally, as one of Scotland’s main connections for coach, bus and rail, there are daily services directly to the six other Scottish cities, as well as a direct train to London King’s Cross.

Situated just 30 miles from the North Sea, Perth Harbour benefits significantly from this road and rail infrastructure, and provides a lower cost alternative to larger coastal ports. In turn, it cuts haulage miles, generating financial and environmental benefits for its many European, Baltic and Scandinavian vessel operators.

Sustainability

Many of the key employers in the area (energy, transport, natural heritage, farming, independent retailers) rely on the area’s sustainability and natural heritage. And with the world waking up more and more to the fragility of our natural world and to the grave concerns around topics like climate change, there is a real opportunity for Perth to show leadership, to build on these natural strengths and to create a future for itself that we can all be proud of.

The UK is the leading country in the G20 for commitments on sustainability and Scotland is the leader in the UK, and with increasing onus on cities to play a role, Perth is uniquely well placed to be one of the leading sustainable cities, not just here at home but in the whole of Europe.

Independent Businesses

There is a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Perth with independent businesses making up a higher-than-average percentage of our local companies.

Perth city centre and the bustling towns across the area, are renowned for their exceptional choice in independent retail. The wonderfully diverse range of quality independent shops, salons, restaurants, cafes and bars is testament to the character and culture of our area, and to the supportive nature of the wider business community and the people themselves.

As well as these great quality, destination venues, the rich agricultural land has ensured Perth's place at the forefront of Scotland's food and drink industry for many years. Perth remains home to the first Farmers' Market in Scotland - set up in 1999 - which generated an legacy of respect and economic independence for the farming community of the area. This has in turn ensured a steady stream of award-winning food and drink producers, many of whom export to all corners of the globe.

By nurturing an environment in which small businesses feel supported and respected, Perth has set itself apart from the carbon copy High Streets of larger cities and has created a quality USP that is attractive to local consumers, visitors and the next generation of fledgling entrepreneurs and start-ups.