Strategy
Perth and Kinross is entering a dynamic new phase of growth, guided by a new suite of forward-looking strategic documents: the Perth and Kinross Economic Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030), the Perth City Centre Development and Design Framework, and the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. Together, these plans set out a clear, ambitious vision for the region, driven by innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Focused on delivering economic resilience and long-term growth, the region's future strategy is already in motion, backed by the £300 million Tay Cities Deal that continues to catalyse investment and unlock transformational development opportunities.
Perth and Kinross has demonstrated strong economic momentum, with a 29.4% increase in growth over the past decade and a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £4.454 billion in 2022. To build on this trajectory, the newly launched strategies aim to deliver long-term, meaningful change that supports inclusive economic development, strengthens human capital, and enhances the region’s appeal as a thriving place to live, work, invest, and visit.
Perth and Kinross Economic Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030)
The Perth and Kinross Economic Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030) is a strategic roadmap designed to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of the region. In a rapidly changing global economy, the plan sets out a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses, the workforce, and the wider economy.
The plan has been co-produced by all members of the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership and aims to enhance collaboration in economic development, enabling more effective joint action and delivery.
Perth City Centre Development and Design Framework
The Perth City Development and Design Framework serves as a comprehensive document outlining guidelines and principles for urban development in Perth. The Framework aims to enhance the overall design quality, functionality, and liveability of Perth through informed and strategic development practices.
The Framework is being developed to build upon existing planning, economic design, and development guidance - presenting a series of ‘intervention’ options for streetscape enhancements, property improvements and new developments and uses within the city centre and designated investment areas.
The intervention options include the following 'five quarters':
- Mill Quarter
- Culture Quarter
- Station Quarter
- Harbour Quarter
- University Quarter
The proposed interventions aim to drive sustainable economic growth and revitalise and support the city centre.
Tay Cities Regional Economic Strategy | 2019 to 2039
The Tay Cities Region (TCR) describes the area of East Central Scotland covered by the local authority areas of Perth & Kinross, Angus, Dundee and the north-east part of Fife. The region is home to almost 500,000 people, around 10% of Scotland’s population.
The first Tay Cities Regional Economic Strategy and accompanying Tay Cities Deal Proposal were produced in 2017 and set out a regional strategy and more detailed proposals for programmes and projects in relation to a City Deal investment submission supporting economic growth in the region.
This review of the Regional Economic Strategy has been developed to provide an update on the statistical analysis underpinning the economic challenges and the national and strategic context. It also reflects current thinking on regional focus and priorities, aligns with the Tay Cities Deal Heads of Terms Agreement and reflects the new governance arrangements for delivery of the strategy.
Perth City Development Plan | 2040
The third edition of the Perth City Plan was released in 2019 when it set out an agenda for action through to 2040. Produced by the Perth City Development Board (PCDB), a private sector-led partnership that brought together leaders from business, civil society and the public sector, Perth City Plan 3 calls for businesses, communities, civil society and public sector bodies to work together to achieve positive growth.
This ambitious agenda for change follows a framework for action based on six key themes: placemaking, sustainability, connectivity, the city centre, enterprise and inclusion.
Tourism Strategy and Action Plan
The Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 – 2030 has been shaped by a diverse, cross-section of the area’s tourism industry, and delivered on their behalf by Perthshire Tourism Partnership. Perthshire Tourism Partnership was established to bring together tourism associations, stakeholders and public sector organisations based in Perth & Kinross to discuss strategic themes relating to tourism in the region.
Designed to be a working and flexible document, the plan sets out a vision for the next five years and outlines the partner commitments and areas of investment required to ensure its success. Strengthened by a detailed action plan, the strategy provides clear KPIs, and a delivery framework consisting of four key pillars.
- Area promotion and destination marketing
- Investment and infrastructure
- Market development and internationalisation
- Industry growth and resilience
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan was adopted by Perth & Kinross Council in December 2021 and sets out the initial route map to a net zero carbon, and climate resilient, Perth and Kinross.
Six overarching principles have been developed that will shape our long-term approach to Climate Change:
- Achieving Net Zero aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Scottish Government Targets, with the ambition of achieving them sooner
- Building a more resilient Perth and Kinross
- Ensuring climate action is fair and benefits all and we deliver a green recovery to Covid-19
- Enhancing biodiversity to help avoid an ecological emergency
- Engaging and empowering children and young people to take action on climate change
- Empowering our communities and businesses to take climate action in line with the Perth and Kinross Offer
Perth Transport Futures
The Perth Transport Futures Project is a major infrastructure upgrade programme to improve the road network around the city. The project will address the long-term transportation needs of the area, promote economic growth and address issues of congestion and pollution within the city centre.
Led by Perth & Kinross Council, the project is being delivered across four key phases.
- The A9/A85 Junction Improvement and Link Road to Bertha Park was completed in 2019.
- The Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) including Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway road network completed in March 2025.
- The Bertha Park North Link is currently under development.
- Phase four of Perth Transport Futures will focus on traffic management measures within the city centre.