Retail slump:

Figures show more shops shut than opened in last three years

A study has revealed Perth is among the worst cities and towns in Scotland for shop closures.

Council bosses are under pressure to reverse a dramatic retail slump in Perth, after a new study shows the Fair City is among the worst in Scotland for shop closures.

Data released by the Scottish Retail Consortium show in the last three years 195 shops have shut in Perth, with only 176 opening. Dundee fared better with 200 closures and 205 launches in the same period.

Only Edinburgh, Glasgow and Paisley saw an increase in store numbers, amid warnings by the consortium that the rate of closures across Scotland could double by 2021.

Perth was second-worst hit, with Ayr losing 239 stores while gaining 193.

The new study comes as a major concern for Perth, which was bucking the national trend just two years ago. In 2016 the city was the only place in Scotland to have more shops opening than closing.

The council’s environment and infrastruture convener, Angus Forbes, said: “We continue to encourage firms of all sizes to become part of the diverse mix of shops and services on offer. Beales taking up a prominent position in St John Street is a key example.

“Perth city centre itself has a vacancy rate lower than the Scottish average, showing the appeal for businesses that we have.

“Alongside Edinburgh, we also have the highest levels of independent retailers among the Scottish cities.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Liz Smith said more needs to be done to revitalise the city centre.

“Perth has been a tough place for retailers in recent years and last year’s business rates revaluation made things particularly hard for high street traders,” she said.

“However, despite these concerning figures, there are green shoots of recovery. The loss of McEwens was tough but department store Beales opened in its place and now we have exciting plans to transform city hall.”

The Tory MSP added: “The SNP presided over a period of retail decline and it’s now up to the Conservative-led council administration to turn things around.

“Ultimately, retail is changing but the rebirth of retail trade in Paisley should provide Perth with a template to follow.”

Ultimately, retail is changing but the rebirth of retail trade in Paisley should provide Perth with a template to follow. MSP LIZ SMITH

Picture: Steve MacDougall.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Scottish Retail Consortium findings: Area Closed Opened Net Edinburgh 1,269 1,311 42 Glasgow 832 874 32 Aberdeen 340 333 -7 Dundee 205 200 -5 Paisley 200 224 24 Ayr 239 193 -46 Perth 195 176 -19 Inverness 184 172 -12 Kilmarnock 180 175 -5 Scotland...