Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse to Merge

Two of Perthshire’s most prestigious tourist attractions, Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse, will merge in early 2023, in a transformational deal that will ensure the preservation of horse racing at Perth.

At an extraordinary general meeting, Perth Hunt Club members voted overwhelmingly (97%) in favour of the Joint Proposal with Scone Estates to restructure the governance of Perth Racecourse. Scone Estates will invest a minimum of £5m into the racecourse over the next eight years, insulating it against various economic headwinds and better future-proofing the popular venue.

Contract Signed for £28.7m Construction at James Hutton Institute

The James Hutton Institute and McLaughlin & Harvey have signed construction contracts worth £28.7m for the next stage of the ongoing redevelopment of the James Hutton Institute’s Invergowrie estate. This new contract comprises the construction of a combined Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and International Barley Hub (IBH).

Part-funded by the Tay Cities Deal, this next phase is part of a masterplan to create two institute-led innovation centres at Invergowrie, helping to establish Scotland as a leader in global food security and crop resilience.

Morag Connaghan, Head of Business, commented, “With the mandate from the majority having approved the Joint Proposal, we are now drafting the legal documents with the aim of completing the transaction in the first quarter of 2023. Until then, it’s business as usual with all focus on preparations for a successful 2023 racing season starting in April.”

Brian Stevenson, CEO of Scone Palace Estates, commented, “As with Scone Palace, a successful and vibrant Perth Racecourse is vital to the economic success of Perth. Working with the existing team, we will grow and enhance racing in Perth and secure it for the next 100 years.” perth-races.co.uk scone-palace.co.uk

Colin Campbell, Chief Executive at the James Hutton Institute, commented, “Moving into the next phase of the International Barley Hub’s construction is a significant milestone in this project, which aims to future-proof the barley sector across Scotland and the UK.

This new facility will serve as the key research hub and is set to bring around £60 million benefit and over 1,200 jobs to Scotland over the next 10 years.”

The masterplan has received £17 million investment from the Scottish Government through the Tay Cities Deal, a partnership between the UK and

Scottish Governments along with public and private organisations across Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross that together will invest up to £700 million in projects promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity for the region.

Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee said, “The Scottish Government is investing £17 million towards the redevelopment of the James Hutton Institute’s facilities at Invergowrie. Innovation in food and drink is being supported through the Scottish Government’s plan to transform the economy, the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.”

The 2022 Business Star Awards from Perthshire Chamber of Commerce celebrated innovation and success across the area.

Hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Rona Dougall and speaker and local businessman, Andrew Scott, and featuring heartfelt speeches from Allan MacGregor of main sponsor Binn Group, Deputy First Minister John Swinney, and Chamber President Lori McGaffney, the evening saw 16 category awards handed out plus the Outstanding Achievement Award and the annual Perthshire Business of the Year Award.

Vicki Unite, Perthshire Chamber CEO, commented, “There was a clear and consistent message throughout the night urging businesses to build one another up, and to support employees, colleagues, and communities during these challenging times. As always, a real passion for people and the area shone through, and why wouldn’t it? Perthshire is such a terrific place to live and work.”

“It was a privilege to be able to highlight so many amazing local businesses and individuals and promote them through our platforms, which will continue well into 2023 and beyond.”

Winners took home a bespoke work of art in the form of a beautiful glass Star Award designed and created for the event by Caithness Glass and Dartington Crystal.