News that Kinross Market is set to close has been met with disappointment by locals.
Organisers revealed last week that the event had effectively been made homeless after 30 years of trading at the Scottish Motor Auction (SMA) Group site at Bridgend.
This could leave more than 200 stallholders without their main source of income, with a number of these including charities.
Among those hoping for a stay of execution is Audrey Seivewright, who has attended Kinross Market every weekend for the last 10 years to raise funds for her bird shelter.
“My customers are mainly pensioners and they are all really upset,” she said. “I think it’s just so unfair that all of this is being taken away from both them and us.”
Efforts are being made by market organiser Iqbal Choudry to persuade SMA to allow the event to remain on the site until a new venue is found.
While he is confident that the popular market will continue, he told The Courier he may struggle to find a resolution before September 25 when trading will cease.
He said: “Getting this sorted is not going to happen overnight, so I need a bit more time to get another place.
“I am quite hopeful of finding somewhere but the problem is going to be the gap between getting to a new venue from this place when it closes.
“I think it would be more helpful if it was a seamless transition but this is going to be difficult to achieve.”
In a notice distributed several days ago to stallholders, SMA explained that its decision had been based on a “thorough review”.ComplaintsThis had taken note of a number of factors, including complaints by local residents and the increased planning and operating requirements needed to comply with various regulations.
The letter also referred to a decline in the number of people visiting the market.
While those campaigning to save the market accept that the event is not as well attended as in past years, they still believe it is a going concern worth fighting for. A petition is now circulating as part of efforts to drum up support.
Among those fighting to retain the venue is Carol Houghton, who relies on the event to raise vital funds for the guinea pig rescue centre she runs with her husband.
“Since the beginning of this year alone, we have raised over £4,000, which has helped us to take in 11 guinea pigs and rehome nine,” she said. “We have also been able to assist owners with sick pets to help them get well and return home.
“We owe a big debt of gratitude to the patrons of the market for enabling us to do this. We are not the only charity or rescue centre to benefit from Kinross Market, as there are and have been many more.”
Mrs Houghton also said that, as well as being a lifeline to small organisations, it also provides a vital link to the community for many customers.
Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson described the decision to close Kinross Market as “unfortunate”.
“It’s really become an institution and there’s loads of little businesses where people make their livelihoods and the market is also a social routine for many,” he said.
“It’s very unfortunate, but I do think shopping patterns have changed and less people go now, as we don’t have the traffic jams and parking issues that we used to get as a result of the market.”