St Johnstone to be awarded the Freedom of Perth

St Johnstone are to be awarded the Freedom of Perth after completing a historic cup double.

The McDiarmid Park side lifted the Scottish League Cup for the first time in the club’s history in February after beating Livingston 1-0.

They then went on to win the Scottish Cup in May by defeating Hibs by the same scoreline.

In the process, the club became only the fourth side in Scottish football to complete a cup double after Aberdeen, Celtic and Rangers.

Manager Callum Davidson steered the club to an historic double (Craig Williamson/SNS Group) SNS Group

Perth and Kinross councillors will be asked to approve awarding the Freedom of the City of Perth to St Johnstone when the council meets on June 23.

The council has indicated that a ceremony to award the club the Freedom of Perth will take place when coronavirus restrictions have been eased.

Provost Dennis Melloy said: “St Johnstone’s success over the past season has been a shining light for the city in what have often been dark times.

“Awarding the Freedom of the City to St Johnstone is a fitting recognition of their amazing success this season.

“As a lifelong Saints fan, I know just how much these two victories mean to supporters and everyone associated with the club.

“Winning the cup double under such difficult circumstances is truly remarkable and I congratulate everyone at the club again on such a historic achievement, completed against the backdrop of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“St Johnstone is also at the heart of the community through Saints in the Community, and it is right we officially recognise their amazing achievements this season.”

St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown said: “For our football club to be considered for the Freedom of Perth is totally unexpected and we are proud and humbled to have been nominated.

“We are in esteemed company, and it would be fantastic if we were to receive such a prestigious accolade.

“It has been a remarkable season and it has been a real team effort. Callum, his backroom staff and the players were unbelievable, and we are very proud.

“Being nominated is also something my father is very proud of having taken over the club 35 years ago.”

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Perth and Kinross Council has decided to give the Freedom of Perth to St Johnstone – it is a fitting reward for a tremendous, historic season in which they achieved the remarkable feat of winning a cup double.

“This will be a moment to savour for all associated with the club and is richly deserved.

“I had called for the Freedom of Perth to be considered in a Motion I lodged at the Scottish Parliament, so I am extremely pleased that it has been granted.”