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 shows 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.
Perth and Kinross Council has been advised to look at former City of Culture rival Paisley as inspiration for a trade turnaround.
The council’s environment and infrastruture convener Angus Forbes, said: “This administration set economic development as a priority and we are committed to delivering effective support that boosts the retail sector in Perth city centre.
“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.”
The Conservative councillor added: “Perth city centre itself has a lower than the Scottish average vacancy rate, showing the appeal for businesses that we have.
“Alongside Edinburgh, we also have the highest levels of independent retailers amongst the Scottish cities.
“Moreover, to date in 2018 already, we have seen seven new businesses open, and a further three are set to join them in the coming months, including Brew Dog and Vito’s Italian restaurant.”
Mr Forbes said: “With the exciting plans to transform Perth City Hall, and other initiatives included within the City Development Plan, we are very much focused on helping Perth become one of Europe’s best small cities in the interests of residents and visitors alike.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife 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.”
Scottish Retail Consortium findings
Edinburgh – 1,269 closed and 1,311 opened (42 net)
Glasgow – 832 closed and 874 opened (32 net)
Aberdeen – 340 closed and 333 opened (-7 net)
Dundee – 205 closed and 200 opened (-5 net)
Paisley – 200 closed and 224 opened (24 net)
Ayr – 239 closed and 193 opened (-46 net)
Perth – 195 closed and 176 opened (-19 net)
Inverness – 184 closed and 172 opened (-12 net)
Kilmarnock – 180 closed and 175 opened (-5 net)
Scottish total – 9,104 closed and 8,628 opened (-476 net)
