Centre of attraction

Perth is well known for its small independent specialist shops, restaurants and almost unique shopping experience. However, the job of attracting visitors to the town centre is quite a job, and Gillian Coyne has been the city centre manager for Perth now for six years, so I thought it was about time to invite her to lunch, to find out how she does it.

with Athole Murray Fleming

Our venue was to be Duncan’s in Perth Restaurant, George Street. Newly opened under the ownership of Chef James Duncan, and using high quality Scottish sourced produce, I wanted to sample his contemporary approach while chatting with Gillian about matters Perth.

On arrival I was a few minutes early and was warmly welcomed by a smiling waitress. I decided to sit and wait by the fire which was warming me from the bitter cold outside, so a perfect start.

A few moments later Gillian arrived and we were presented with our menus, and I was delighted to see Puddledub Bacon and shoulder of pork, Isle of Lewis Mussels, Venison liver and haddock on the list.

We pondered our choices and order two gasses of house red which we both found to be rather pleasant on such a cold day.

My first question for Gillian was simple; I wanted to know what a city centre manager actually does?

There are five key areas. Building relations between business organisations, keeping the dialogue open between the private and public sector is one. Marketing and promoting the centre itself, be it the shops or events in the town. We can also help through seminars to improve skills, training, and product knowledge even on matters like counter terrorism. We recently held a seminar on that very subject. Then of course we monitor city centre performance including footfall, which is our ‘health check’ on how business in the town is doing. We can then see trends and make forecasts to help us plan for the future growth and success of the centre. Safety is also one of our keynote issues – helping city centre businesses and reducing the fear of crime, thanks to my colleague Ian Campbell, Safer Cities Manager. Championing our city centre is one way of describing what my team and I do, I suppose.

Okay I thought, that’s quite a remit, but how did Gillian get into this area in the first place?

I have often asked myself that question too! Seriously though, I studied French at Uni and got a job with Edinburgh Tourist Board where I worked hands on with visitors to the city for six years. I then moved to work for Ayrshire& Arran Tourist Board where I was working with the tourism trade which I suppose is a bit like what I do now with Perth City Centre Management, working with city centre businesses large and small. I then met my husband Donald who came from Perthshire - we wanted to live in Perth and when the chance arose to come up here I jumped at it.

At this point our starters had been ordered and devoured. Gillian had gone for the Isle of Lewis Mussels while I had opted for the Plaice fingers poached in chilli oil with tomato and Portuguese olive ragu.

Gillian was delighted with her mussels and I enjoyed the plaice, albeit a shade too light for my taste buds, but I was preparing my body for the seasonal onslaught after all!

We chose our main course from an excellent menu. Gillian’s choice being from the blackboard daily special, salmon was the option as the sea bass had already gone by this time. I elected for the slow roast shoulder of Puddledub pork on mash.

Gillian’s salmon dish was very pleasant just needing a touch more seasoning to her own taste, while my dish was a warm winter classic, never design winner on looks, but very, very tasty and that’s why I would have it again. Good stuff, we both agreed.