Orchards could be part of 800 celebrations

Perth's historic orchards could be revived as part of next year's 800 celebrations. A public meeting has been called to discuss the potential of an Orchard 800 project after the success of a similar scheme in the Carse of Gowrie. Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust is backing the plans and believe it would follow the long tradition of growing fruit in Perth. Little remains of Perthshire's plum and pear orchards and the 800 celebrations could be a timely intervention. The meeting will be held on Wednesday ay 7 o'clock in the AK Bell library.

Rise in Shoplifting causes concern

A Perth councillor has raised his concerns for the levels of shoplifting occurrences in Tayside. Councillor Alexander Stewart, a member of the Tayside joint police board asked to see the figures at a recent board meeting. There has been a rise of approximately 30 percent since 2001/2002, though there has been a slight drop in the statistics for the last 6 months. Now there are worries that temptation could prove too much over the Christmas period, when shops are busy.

Power Plan on show to public

Members of the public were able to take the opportunity at the weekend to view the plans for a hydro-electric system at the Birks of Aberfeldy. The developers took their chance to state their case to sceptics in the town on Saturday for the small-scale scheme at the Falls of Moness. Environmentalists fear it will disturb the area, but following public consultation, Perth and Kinross' planning department gave consent. Developers say the project could generate enough hyrdo-electric energy to power 1000 homes and provide local construction jobs.