Our History --- and something about Perth

Rotary International has been represented in Perth since 1917 when the Rotary Club of Perth was formed. This remained the only Rotary Club in the City until the Perth St. John's Club was established in 1976. These Clubs meet at lunch time and, as work patterns changed towards the end of the 20^th Century, the need was identified for a Club meeting in the evening. Under the guidance of Donald McDonald, then the District 1010 Extension Officer and later District Governor, the Perth Club became the Foster Club and the Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull was formed. The Charter Dinner was held on 30^th May 1992. Since then the Club has flourished with a changing membership but nevertheless retaining many founder members and past-presidents who enhance the Club with their collective experience of Rotary.

The new Club took its name from the 222 metres high Kinnoull Hill just a few minutes away from the City Centre. It is a hillside Woodland Park with several sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs). You can walk for miles without seeing another person and the view from the top is outstanding.

Perth, has for many years been known as "The Fair City" although technically it no longer has city status in Scotland. It is hoped that this might change in 2010 when Perth celebrates the 800th anniversary of its Charter as a Royal Burgh granted by King William the Lion in 1210. The centre retains the structure of a Mediaeval Town with three main streets connected by vennels with names indicating their ancient usage like Fleshers Vennel (Butchers) and Meal Vennel (Millers). There are many fine old buildings including St. John’s Kirk and King James VI Hospital now converted to flats with all “mod cons”.