The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Mixed response to loss of festival
Music event next summer ‘unlikely’ after site problems
T in the Park’s absence from next year’s summer schedule has been greeted with a mixed response from Perthshire businesses.
Locals in the Auchterarder area, near the festival’s Strathallan Castle home, say they will miss the annual boost it delivers to the area’s economy.
But traders claim the show drives away as many customers as it brings in.
Council bosses also believe the loss of the festival could actually help other events in Perthshire to flourish.
Festival chief Geoff Ellis confirmed on Thursday that the show was “unlikely” to go ahead next year.
T in the Park was put on hold this summer after a spate of problems at its new Strathallan Castle home.
Mr Ellis also said that DF Concerts would consider other sites.
He told BBC Scotland: “The planning constraints are just so complex and costly at Strathallan that we’re just not in a position to say yes, we will continue.”
Carol Wood, who chairs the Auchterarder Community Partnership, said: “We’re hearing a mixed response from businesses in the area.
“At the end of the day, it does bring in trade to the town over the weekend, but there are an awful lot of people who will stay away from the area as well.
“Generally, folk are very disappointed though.”
The festival is said to generate about £3 million for Perthshire.
Councillor Murray Lyle added: “The benefits this festival brings to the local economy will be missed.
“However, there are certain types of outlets – food shops, hotels and bars – which always do better than others during the weekend of the festival. Many shops in Auchterarder actually report a downturn in trade when the event is on.”
He said he would gladly welcome the show back in the future.