Perth hosts 8000 Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Fair City has welcomed 8000 Jehovah’s Witnesses from across the country for the annual three-day convention.

Some of those at McDiarmid Park on Friday.
By Kirsten Johnson
Published in the Courier : 17.07.10
Published online : 17.07.10 @ 09.39am

Article search The event at McDiarmid Park, now in its 15th year, is expected to boost the local economy by upwards of £1 million.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce president Paul Shields said it added to a “very successful” summer for businesses in the region.

Independent shops, hotels and bed and breakfasts will all benefit from the influx of people.

Delegates gathered at the football stadium on Friday morning for a keynote address from Alistair Lambie, circuit overseer for Glasgow and Lanarkshire, before taking part in various seminars.

Today’s schedule will include a live baptismal service in the stadium in a large, specially-designed pool.

Mr Shields said, “The convention has been coming here for 15 years and has become part of the summer calendar. Anyone I have spoken to in the business world is pleased to see it back and hopes it will remain a permanent fixture.

“All tourism, including religious tourism, is important for the local economy and we are delighted that the Jehovah’s Witnesses make the most of what the area has to offer.

“With T in the Park last weekend and the Open this weekend, we have seen a big boost, which is vital in a recession. It all adds to a positive outlook for Perthshire.”

Police warned the arrival of thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses could cause considerable congestion in and around Perth, notably on the A85 at West Huntingtower, the A9 Perth bypass and Crieff Road.

Drivers are asked to allow extra time for journeys at peak periods — between 8-9.30am and from 3.30-5.30pm.

A police spokesman added, “Officers will be assisting the event organisers with traffic management so as to minimise delays and inconvenience wherever possible. We thank those concerned in advance for their co-operation and requests that drivers exercise patience.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses number more than 7,100,000 worldwide and function in 236 lands and territories.

They are organised into more than 103,000 congregations, all of which work under the direction of a central governing body in Brooklyn, New York.

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