After a swathe of business closures in Perth, shops are calling for change to boost the city centre.
Last weekend alone there were four closures – cafes Mhor Coffee House and 269 Vegan, Spanish restaurant Bistua and vintage shop Underneath the Arches.
Mhor co-founder Tricia Fox says Perth and Kinross Council should bring staff back into offices.
Ms Fox believes a lack of people in the city centre is harming local businesses.
“We need action from people who can make a difference,” she says.
“Here’s an easy one, Perth and Kinross Council should get their staff back to work – that would help the city centre.
“Stop having the farmers market out of town – that would help the city centre.
“Anything that takes people out of the city centre is bad. There are solutions, but it requires action.”
Council committed to ‘re-energise’ centre
Perth and Kinross Council said it has around 6,000 employees of which 1,800 are office based. It has hybrid working policies in place.
“We appreciate that trading conditions have been difficult for many businesses across the country over the past two years,” a spokesperson said.
“A shift in shopping habits is making it harder for many retailers, which is why we are we committed to re-energising all of our town centres.”
It highlighted work under way to create a £26.5 million museum at City Hall to house the Stone of Destiny.
This has the potential to bring thousands of tourists and £2.5m into the local economy, the spokesperson said.
“Our ambition is to create a vibrant, sustainable city centre for businesses, residents and visitors to Perth.
“The new museum will give Perth an international platform and complement the many cultural attractions the city already boasts.
“The return of the Mod to Perth this year will also bring people into the city centre, generating an estimated £1m boost to the economy.
“Our business and place development team can support firms make the most of opportunities provided by the new museum, including grant support for frontage improvements.
“Work on City Hall will be completed next year.”
Perth shops worry about footfall
Businesses still trading in the Fair City have also noticed the many empty units and less footfall.
Supervisor at dog-friendly cafe Brew & Chew on the High Street Katerina Becova has noticed the centre change over her seven years in Perth.
“There’s no places for young people to go and nothing to do,” she says.
“It’s sad to see all these empty units and shops for sale.
“Well known restaurants and cafes are also closing down, its quite worrying to see.”
Co-owner of florist Terra Botanica in George Street, Dougie Flower wishes more people took a stroll down the street.
“It would be great to find a way to encourage people down the smaller streets,” he said.
“I want to see Perth pick up and flourish again. There’s lots of empty units on the High Street, but it’s hard to see how the old Debenhams shop can be something else.”
Less parking led to less footfall
Also on George Street, owner of Anderson’s barber shop Allan Stewart has also noticed less footfall.
He says: “There used to be more parking around here, which led to more footfall. Now that less people walk down the street, appointments keep me busy.
“George Street is quiet because there are many specialist shops, you wouldn’t walk down here unless you come for something in particular.”
The barber says its a shame to see shops close, especially Big Dog Books on Scott Street where he played table top games every week.
He now runs his own weekly game night in the barbershop for refugees.
Over on Princes Street, Tayberry Gallery has had a good summer so far which lifts a weight off co-owner Louise Forbes’ shoulders.
“We’re always busy at Christmas, but even after 13 years we have our moments where we wonder if we can go on,” Louise says.
“January is always scary, so I don’t want to say we’re fine, but it’s looking good.”
Conversation