Marquee moment as meeting spot to return
Businesses in Crieff are busily preparing to welcome back shoppers to the town on Monday, April 26, when all non-essential retail outlets reopen.
Local cafes and restaurants will also once again be rolling out the welcome mat to customers eager to experience the Strath capital’s food and drink offering that has been much-missed during the long period of lockdown.
And, as part of the welcome, Crieff Succeeds – the organisation which represents a large number of the town’s businesses – will be reintroducing the covered seating area in James Square.
Affectionately known as ‘The Place in the Square’, the large marquee in the town centre proved hugely popular when it was put up last summer.
Locals and visitors alike used it as a place to sit and chat, grab a coffee and a bite to eat, or even to hold meetings, with people feeling safer and more comfortable outside than in the office.
The initiative was originally brought in to allow open air, socially-distanced dining while supporting local shops, cafes and restaurants.
Young Ambassadors were also employed to keep the area clean and also to provide visitors to the area with local information.
David McCann, Cri e f f Succeeds manager, told the Herald: “We were aware of how popular The Place in the Square was last year, and many people have been asking us if it will be back.
“Well, the good news is that it will be, along with the young Crieff Ambassadors who will be keeping the area in James Square clean and tidy and be on hand to offer directions or local information.
“We are keen to welcome people, both locally and from afar, back to Crieff and wanted to offer them a safe place to rest and sit.
“We hope they come in numbers to support our local businesses who have been through such a tough time.”