The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘Obscene’ car parking charge is ‘Biggest rip-off’
CONCERT: Vehicle charge is more than price of ticket to Scone Palace event
Organisers of this month’s Biggest Weekend concert at Scone Palace have been blasted over “utterly obscene” parking charges that will cost more than tickets to the event itself.
Frustrated music lover Michael Higgins, 61, from Montrose, has vowed to give away his ticket for the gig and warned other fans could follow suit unless prices are brought into line.
Mr Higgins was planning to travel to the event on Saturday May 27 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 leave his car parked securely outside the venue. 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. Compared to everywhere else I’ve been, this really reflects badly on Perthshire.
“It’s daylight robbery and I think it really raises questions over who this money is going to and why the charges are so high. How could I possibly enjoy the event knowing I’ve paid out that much to park outside? I think it would really stick in my craw.
“I will not be going now and I’ll give my ticket away for free but I want to know why this is the case. I’ve contacted the council and organisers but I haven’t been able to get any clear answers.”
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 for parking does nothing to help promote Scone Palace as a great music destination,” he said.
“The community and local organisations have been very supportive but they must realise that this will be a very unpopular move.
“I would encourage them to think again regarding these exorbitant fees.
“The nature of the Biggest Weekend is that it is supposed to be for the local area, as well as those travelling from further afield.”
A spokeswoman for Scone Palace said: “The parking rates for the BBC Biggest Weekend event at Scone Palace are consistent with those at other Biggest Weekend events throughout the UK.
“Moreover, there are other choices available to visitors, including arriving by foot or travelling to Perth city centre by public transport then accessing the shuttle bus from Perth city centre to Scone Palace.”