Uncertainty could surround the future of the Lammas Market in St Andrews because it is unknown how the setting up of a single Scottish force will affect the costs of policing such events in future.
That is the view of St Andrews councillor and former Fife provost Frances Melville, who told The Courier she was all in favour of the Lammas being retained as a town centre tradition because to move it would ”destroy” it.
Last week the chairwoman of St Andrews Merchants’ Association Lindsay Adam told The Courier how many town centre businesses are fed up of the annual disruption, noise and loss of trade caused by Europe’s oldest street fair rolling into town.
Ms Adam has called for a proper investigation into the possibility of the market being relocated to the West Sands or Craigtoun Park.
However, one of the fair’s organisers said moving it would ”be the end of it”.
Billy Hammond of the Showmen’s Guild has warned crippling fuel costs, dismal weather and the general poor economic climate were ”killing the business”.
Mrs Melville said the Lammas was a great asset to St Andrews and efforts should be made to safeguard its future in the town centre.
She said: ”I have worked closely with the showmen over the years and have got to know them and the issues well.
”Yes, times have changed. The rides have got bigger and noisier and children’s interests have changed. But the Lammas has been coming to St Andrews for hundreds of years and it only lasts for a few days.
”The Lammas is also important to the town as the excess money goes to the Common Good Fund.
”Yes, there have been issues surrounding charges and market traders complaining about pitch costs. But probably the biggest uncertainty is what will happen when the single police force comes in from next year.
”The Links Market in Kirkcaldy, for example, used a mix of private security and police at this year’s event. This could become the same for every event in future and there will be cost implications we just don’t know yet.
”The showmen feel that if they go down the West Sands they will cease to be, and will bring a different set of problems.”