Small changes could add up to big improvements for Crieff, with the town’s parking charges being overhauled in an effort to attract more visitors to the town centre.
It boasts an attractive mix of cafes, restaurants, galleries and independent traders despite the closures that have affected most high streets across Scotland.
Easy access has, however, long been an issue for locals and tourists alike, though steps have been taken in recent months to address that.
A sustained campaign for change was undertaken on behalf of local businesses by the Crieff Succeeds BID group.
Following consultation with the community and councillors, free on street parking was replaced by metered parking and the larger car parks, with some restrictions, were made free.
Now the group has convinced Perth and Kinross Council to go even further in an effort to benefit local business owners and encourage people to shop, eat and drink in the town.
Crieff BID manager Neil Combe said: “We have reached an agreement with the council for much sought after changes to the car parking arrangements in Crieff.
“Free parking in the King Street Car Park will be increased to three hours from the current two-hour stay.
“Crieff will also enjoy the same first 15 minutes free parking arrangement that is available in Perth city centre.”
The changes will come into force shortly as Perth and Kinross Council implements the updates to the parking machines and signage over the next few weeks.
Neil added: “Crieff Succeeds is all about promoting Crieff to new audiences across Scotland and putting our town, and all it has to offer, in the spotlight.
“The new parking changes will make it easier for residents to shop and eat out locally, as well as encouraging visitors to relax and spend more time enjoying our community.”
The welcome news about parking comes as Crieff BID prepares to launch its new visitor-focused website, VisitCrieff.scot.
It is designed to be “a shop window for promoting the best of Crieff” and will be the key element of a major campaign to promote the town as a visitor destination and to help generate footfall for its traders, restaurants and cafes.