The Tories believe Perth is missing out on millions of pounds of funding to Scotland’s cities.

The bid was launched by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, who was joined by prospective parliamentary candidates Douglas Taylor and Liz Smith, together with the leader of the Conservatives on Perth and Kinross Council, Councillor Alexander Stewart.

Although many people think that Perth is already a city, the truth is that it is only an ecclesiastical city — such as Elgin and Brechin — in that it has a cathedral, St Ninians.

It is not a legal city such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling or Inverness. The Tories believe this means that Perth loses out on vital funding and economic development.

Stirling and Inverness won city status to commemorate specific events — the Millennium and the Queen’s golden jubilee.

Councillor Stewart said previous attempts to gain city status for Perth had not recognised the significance of the title.

“When this issue was looked at, many people already considered us a city, or thought we had city status.

“No-one thought that by not being a city we would miss out on funding,” he said.

“Now, when we look at places such as Dundee and Stirling that have received funding for programmes that we have missed out on, we see that we are not losing out on a small amount — it is millions of pounds.”

Mr Stewart added that he believed Perth was being disadvantaged in its efforts to attract civil service jobs.

Following today’s launch, Mr Fraser will present a paper to the Scottish Parliament extolling Perth’s virtues.

He said urgent action was needed to ensure Perth did not continue to miss out on Executive cash.

“Perth is in danger of being left behind,” he said. “The six other Scottish cities are at the centre of Scottish economic development and we need Perth to be part of the pack.

“Over £90 million has been allocated by the Executive to Scotland’s cities through their documents, Building Better Cities and Building a Better Scotland. Perth is getting none of this money.”

Mr Fraser believes Perth has much to recommend itself, both as a place and as a city.

“The factors which are taken into account when a place is being considered for city status are its notable features, regional significance, historical considerations and its forward-looking attitude,” he said. “Perth is a place that has these qualities in abundance.”

Douglas Taylor, Tory candidate for Perth and North Perthshire, said “Perth has a wealth of treasures that deserve more recognition. We are famous for our theatre, our racecourse and tourist attractions such as Scone Palace.

“The Mod has been held here and we are home to T in the Park, Scotland’s biggest music festival.

“We are a major centre for scientific research and a popular venue for conferences and conventions. Perth deserves full recognition.”