A Perhtshire artist is advocating an imaginative approach to the problem of empty shops.
In an effort to tackle the blight posed by vacant properties, cartoonist Peter Brock, better known as Pedro, is offering his expertise to brighten up shop frontages.
A few years ago he was commissioned to paint murals for shops for let in the heart of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The themed pictures were placed in the windows and attracted a positive response from those who saw them.
“There are an awful lot of empty shops, it looks depressing,” said Crieff-based Pedro (51).
“If we could get some colourful images into windows, it would cheers things up.”
He has suggested that community groups and schools might get involved in artistic projects, which he could assist.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has urged the Scottish Government to relax regulations and allow “pop-up” shops to flourish in abandoned retail space.
Last year the UK Parliament finished a consultation process aimed at relaxing the legislation, which will result in shops changing their use class for a period of two years without seeking planning permission.
The Scottish Government currently has no plans to amend the equivalent legislation north of the border.
“Pop-up shops offer would-be entrepreneurs a route into retailing without the risk of long term contracts,” said Mr Fraser.
“They also encourage retailers to take risks and innovate their shop space, which can only be good news for the customer.
“The Scottish Government needs to seriously look at the example set by the UK Government in England and Wales and relax legislation.”
He went on: “A high street packed full of shops gives customers more reason to visit.
“Finally, with less red tape we can hope to attract younger retailers into starting their own business, thus reducing youth unemployment.
“Small businesses account for 27% of private sector employment in Scotland, pop-up shops could be critical in sustaining this form of employment.”