Councils not singing in perfect harmony

A code of conduct exists in Fife, which limits buskers’ use of amplifiers with instruments.

The city of Dunfermline area committee has agreed that those using amps will only be able to play in the area around the Glen Gates.

Committee convener Councillor Helen Law said: “We need to strike a balance and I think by taking this approach we’re doing that.

“In general, we welcome street performers, however we must make sure that local professionals are able to go about their daily business with the minimum of interruption too.

“We’ve developed a pocket-sized ‘voluntary code of conduct’ which Dunfermline Delivers and our town centre police team will give to all street performers.

“We’ll monitor the impact of this and work with buskers to ensure Dunfermline continues to benefit from the positive practice of street entertainment for the benefit of all.”

In Angus, no complaints regarding busking have been received by the council and it has not issued any guidance at this time.

A Perth and Kinross Council spokeswoman said: “Buskers do not need a licence to perform in a public place – they will only require to apply for a street trader’s licence if they intend to sell CDs of their music at the same time.

“In general terms, we would ask buskers to try not to perform all at the same time if possible.”