Venue blasted over ‘obscene’ cost of parking

ORGANISERS of this month’s Biggest Weekend concert at Scone Palace have been blasted over parking charges that will cost more than the tickets.

Frustrated music lover Michael Higgins, 61, from Montrose, has vowed to give away his ticket and warned other fans could follow suit.

Mr Higgins was planning to travel to the event on Saturday May 26 to watch Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and a host of other top music acts.

But those plans were cut short after he realised he would need to pay £17 — including booking fees — to park. It is understood fans who wait a further two weeks to book their spot will be charged £20, making the cost of parking more than the event ticket price.

Mr Higgins, who said he was impressed by the value of the Biggest Weekend itself, called on organisers to explain how they can justify such charges.

He said: “I think charging that much for parking is utterly obscene.

“I think it really raises questions over who this money is going to and why the charges are so high.”

Perth and North Perthshire MP and musician Pete Wishart said he had “serious concerns” people would stay away as a result of the fees.

“Charging excessive fees like this does nothing to promote Scone Palace as a great music destination,” he said. “I would encourage them to think again regarding these exorbitant fees.”

A spokeswoman for Scone Palace said: “The parking rates are consistent with those at other Biggest Weekend events throughout the UK.”