Lights charging may not be bright idea

Perth and Kinross Council must tread carefully as it considers whether to charge visitors for attending its city centre events. Other than the local authority, NHS and a few notable exceptions, the city’s traditional industries are being replaced by low-paid, low-skilled work.

One of its recent success stories is events tourism – a sector targeted in the last 20 years to make best use of the area’s outstanding environment and built heritage.

Driven by the local authority and eager businesses, it has managed to extend its summer programme well into the traditionally quiet winter period.

The Winter Festival, including the Christmas lights switch-on, has been augmented by a free light show by the Tay which attracts tens of thousands of people who would otherwise stay tucked up in the warmth of their homes.

Money talks and the likely effect of charging for previously-free events is obvious.

Decision-makers must be aware of neighbouring council regions, especially Dundee and Stirling, which will be only too happy to accept an influx of visitors to fill their pubs, restaurants and hotels over winter should they decide to bypass more-expensive Perth.

If the winter programme is to grow, cash will have to be found to pay for it but it would be a tragedy for the Fair City if the lights were to go out on a burgeoning success story.