Stirling taxpayers could be hit with a £150,000 bill as they pick up the tab for the national Armed Forces Day celebrations.
A failure to secure the expected levels of corporate sponsorship for the June 28 event has left a major hole in funding, which may be filled from the public purse.
The region has already bankrolled the centrepiece of the nationwide celebrations to the tune of £250,000 and though residents had been told there would be no further burden that may no longer be true.
The council’s SNP group leader Scott Farmer has now written to the Scottish Secretary to beg him to intervene and help secure increased UK Government cash.
It is understood that the council had budgeted for £190,000 in corporate sponsorship in order to pay for the event but raised only £40,000.
To date, the Scottish Government has pledged to contribute £80,000 and the UK Government “a mere” £25,000.
Elected members of all parties are determined that the event goes ahead successfully, but such a burden on public funds would be hugely unwelcome at a time when council finances are tight.
Stirling Council chief executive Bob Jack remains confident that funding sources can be uncovered to meet the current shortfall.
No matter the outcome, Mr Farmer said serious questions need to be asked about the council’s funding process.
“It is extremely concerning that only £40,000 of the budgeted £190,000 has been secured in corporate sponsorship for the National Armed Forces Day event.
“Serious questions will be asked about how realistic the Tory-Labour administration’s projections were.
“The important thing now is to ensure the event is a success and that Stirling taxpayers do not face an unreasonable financial cost as a result of this failure.
“I have written to the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael MP, pressing him to ensure the UK Government substantially increases its funding to a fairer and more reasonable level.”
It’s understood that the Leader of Stirling Council, Johanna Boyd, will meet with the Secretary later this month to discuss the level of contribution by the UK Government and try to impress upon him the need to increase its contribution “substantially”.
Thousands are expected to descend upon Stirling for the event, which could in the long run be worth as much as £1 million to the local economy.
It will offer visitors the chance to show their support for the past and serving personnel of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and a large numbers of Scots, English, Welsh and Northern Irish veterans will be participating in a parade and drumhead service.
There will also be flypasts, parades, demonstrations of military equipment, music and combat displays, together with a wealth of other activities and attractions, all of them free.
City leaders hope the event will bring a long-term boost to the city, putting it ever more firmly on the map as a visitor destination.
Chief executive Bob Jack said: “The Armed Forces Day National Event is a high-profile event that aims to celebrate and express appreciation for the work and the outstanding contribution of the armed forces and to recognise the serving personnel, reservists, cadets and veterans from all three services, including their families.
“This free event will feature a range of activities, performances and displays for all the family to enjoy, will raise the profile of Stirling and boost the local economy by around £1 million.
“The council has allocated funding of up to £250K and has received £25K from the MoD towards the cost of staging the event.
“We are anticipating funding from Scottish Government and key sponsors of the event.
“Council officers are monitoring expenditure to ensure value for money and are continuing to explore opportunities to secure funding from other sources.”