Pitlochry Theatre bosses are urging councillors to overturn a block on two holiday apartments in the town.
The accommodation at Bonnethill Road was refused a short-term let licence last year.
Officials said the loss of more residential properties would have a negative effect on Pitlochry.
However, theatre bosses say the flats are vital for the venue’s prosperity.
And staff say a shortage of reasonably priced accommodation in the Perthshire tourist town is posing serious problems for their profession.
The properties’ owner Michelle Mcmillan has appealed against Perth and Kinross Council’s licence decision.
And on Monday, the authority’s local review body will consider her case.
In her submission, she points to her longstanding arrangement with Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
“I have had many excellent 5 star reviews from guests, no complaints and also emails of support from the theatre company stating this has been an ideal property for their staff,” she writes.
She says her company Pitlochry Escapes has bookings from theatre staff from March to August this year.
And she urges councillors to consider the wider benefits to the town.
“In between supporting tourism and accommodating visitors from all over the globe this is also helping to support the local community,” she says
“Obviously they they will be spending in local shops but also supporting the local community entertainment and arts.”
Pitlochry Theatre brings millions to Scotland
A number of Pitlochry Festival Theatre workers have also written to the council asking it to approve the licence.
Supporters include Pitlochry Theatre’s artistic director Elizabeth Newman.
She says the Bonnethill Road accommodation has been “a vital resource for the artistic community in Pitlochry”.
In her submission to the council, she writes: “There are few options for artists in the local area.
“She has also hosted placement students, which has been vitally important for us to fulfill our mission to be a training theatre.”
One lighting designer writes: “Pitlochry is a real problem for theatre freelancers as accommodation is so expensive.
Another worker, who stayed during a placement in 2023, says: “Pitlochry Festival Theatre brings in the majority of tourists and a huge amount of work into Pitlochry.
“Currently there are very few places in Pitlochry that offer affordable accommodation for the people working at the theatre.”
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s value to the economy has previously been put at £13 million a year.
Conversation