Through the 8th City Programme, Perth has delivered a range of smart city projects focused on urban efficiency, sustainability, and public safety.
8th City Programme – Phase 1
Open Data Platform
The Open Data project introduced a new platform developed alongside Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, and Stirling. The platform provides open access to data related to the Perth & Kinross area, encouraging public engagement and data-driven decision-making.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- Multiple datasets available for public access
Completion Date: ongoing
Intelligent Street Lighting (ISL)
Through the ISL project, Perth & Kinross Council deployed energy-efficient LED lamps with management controls, achieving a 70% energy savings and significant reductions in CO2 emissions. These streetlights also support data collection for future IoT-based solutions.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 4 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: December 2018
Mobile Working
The Mobile Working project enabled app-based mobile work solutions, greatly benefiting council staff and residents. The project’s innovations enhanced public service efficiency across multiple sectors.
Key Outcomes:
- 7 Innovative Services outputs
- 2 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: December 2019
Smart Waste
Perth collaborated with Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Stirling to implement Smart Waste solutions. This included bin sensors for data-driven waste collection, reducing landfill contributions and collection journey distances.
Key Outcomes:
- 3 Innovative Services developed
- 3 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: December 2019
Public Safety and City Operations
In partnership with Dundee, the Public Safety project improved CCTV and video analytics across Tayside. This integrated public safety network enhances crime prevention and community safety efforts.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 1 Dataset output generated
Completion Date: December 2021
Innovation Lab at Perth Creative Exchange
Located in the Perth Creative Exchange, the Innovation Lab supports urban innovation by providing a space to prototype smart solutions and tackle city challenges. Now known as The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre, the lab encourages collaboration on urban challenges.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 2 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: February 2020
8th City Programme – Phase 2
Open Data and Analytics
Building on Phase 1, Open Data and Analytics in Phase 2 further expanded Perth’s data capabilities, with a strong focus on data literacy and advanced analytics.
Key Outcomes:
- 4 Innovative Services developed
- 20 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: June 2023
Smart Waste
Phase 2 continued Smart Waste development, integrating advanced technologies to enhance PKC’s waste and street-cleaning services, optimizing service delivery.
Key Outcomes:
- 3 Innovative Services developed
- 3 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: June 2023
In summing up Perth’s participation in the ‘Scotland’s 8th City –the Smart City’ ERDF programme it was highlighted that:
“The collaborative aspect of the programme was particularly important. I think, when you’ve got a good ‘Smart City’ idea, you really want that idea to be taken up by others and that’s what is happening now across the Scottish cities: Partners can say, well, we trialled something and it seemed to work, and others are now taking those ideas on and that’s great!
Graham Pinfield, Perth Smart Projects Officer, Perth & Kinross Council
A big part of the programme was about mainstreaming; ERDF provided the initial investment and enabled cities to develop ideas and projects to deliver smart and sustainable infrastructure.”
Perth & Kinross Council’s Open Data Platform is available here.
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