A harmonious city centre experience

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, In a similar vein, the quality of a musical performance is a largely subjective matter. Which makes policing the presence of buskers something of a minefield.

Street entertainers in Dundee have hit out after claiming a rule change is set to silence them – or at least some of them.

Crucially, it appears amplification may be the key. So while a gently strummed guitar will struggle to be heard, the proud piper will perhaps be allowed to continue free from regulation.

Of course, some shoppers would rather city centres were free from busking altogether.

Others will doubtless argue they add to the atmosphere – an added attraction being no bad thing given the current travails being experienced by many high street retailers.

It is worth noting that many successful musicians have cut their teeth by taking to the streets – KT Tunstall is a fine local example of an artist who started out busking.

Certainly the city centre would be a less lively place were it completely free from musical entertainment, but such a scenario remains a long way off.

The council’s ambitions seem more focused on ensuring nobody creates too much noise.

As ever, a sensible implementation of the rules will be key to ensuring a harmonious city centre experience for all.