Several Perth city centre traders and shopkeepers have reacted with fury due to a possible loss of business during the Christmas lights ceremony.
Paula Tabourel, co-owner of French restaurant Pig’Halle, said there is no common sense in once again holding the event on a Saturday.
The controversy comes hard on the heels of anger over last year’s £20,000 payment to star turn Peter Andr.
“People who normally come to town on Saturday will be put off by all the traffic restrictions,” Mrs Tabourel said.
“Hold it on a Sunday, which is a family day, and that will bring extra people into town and everybody will be happy.
“Let’s be intelligent about this the council know so many businesses lost money last year as it was held on a Saturday.”
Kairen Ruse, owner of Blues and Browns in South Street, said it “beggars belief” that despite the controversy surrounding last year’s event it will yet again be held on a Saturday.
“It’s being held on the very day that struggling independent retailers rely on a precious Saturday,” she explained.
“Why not choose Sunday, a day when families have time to be together to enjoy a day out.
“Perth is a beautiful and historic city, but it appears to be in the hands of a group of people who are hell bent on ruining it.”
Willie White, who runs Willows Coffee Shop and Restaurant in St John’s Place, Perth, said it would make “more sense” to hold it on a Sunday.
“It’s better for families and it gives retailers more options,” he said.
However, a spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said a survey of businesses was undertaken following last year’s event, and claimed the “majority” preferred the switch-on to take place on a Saturday.
“This event has taken place on a Saturday since 2012,” she said.
“Holding it on a Saturday makes Perth a more attractive ‘day visit and weekend break’ proposition for visitors.”