Perth & Kinross

The Result

Electorate: 104,500
Area (Hectares): 531,146

This is a relatively prosperous and largely rural constituency. It consists of both fertile lowland areas with successful livestock and fruit-growing sectors and the Grampian Mountains in the north. The beautiful scenery benefits the tourist industry and the region as a whole enjoys relatively low unemployment.

The prosperous rural character of the region means that it is politically conservative. The parliamentary seat of Perth and Kinross (now called just Perth) was held by the Conservatives until May 1995, when the SNP won the by-election caused by the death of sitting MP, Sir Nicholas Fairburn. Roseanna Cunningham retained the seat for the SNP at the 1997 General Election. The council is also controlled by the SNP.

Results of 1979 referendum:

ICM/Scotsman poll published on 22 August 1997:

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		68%		21%		11%
Highland, Grampian & Tayside		63%		26%		11%

Question:Should a Scottish Parliament have tax-varying powers?

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		56%		36%		8%
Highland, Grampian & Tayside		48%		41%		11%

(Total Sample Size: 1,001, Fieldwork: 19-20 August 1997)