21/08/2026
Yesterday I was asked my views for a local paper on what is needed to help Crieff High Street. I was thinking aloud (when you should think first, lol) but I hope I got across that I think High Streets in towns all over the UK are struggling for many reasons. but Crieff High St still has a lot going for it.
I did emphasise that Crieff needs a public loo. It’s a basic necessity. If you want people to spend time in a place, you need clearly signposted public toilets.
I may have wittered on a bit about being a one woman business, limited resources etc. and I hope it didn’t sound like I don’t make the effort as I do. As do most shops in Crieff. I don’t think the occupied shops and businesses are the problem. But comments/ questions about the “shabby High Street” can be dispiriting.
I also made a few unoriginal comments about parking. Hey ho. PR is not my thing.
I did say that given the challenges that all high streets are facing - societal change, internet shopping etc, I didn’t think Crieff was doing so terribly. Yes we have too many empty shop premises. But we also have lots of lovely places to eat, lots of lovely independent shops and businesses that have been here many years, and also fresh new businesses opening all the time.
I should have talked more about all the other things we have going on in Crieff. How in recent weeks we had shop windows all over town displaying the work of local artists for our community arts festival, and full of tartan in support of our Highland Games. So I’ll say it here now - a big thank you to all those in the Crieff community that make these things happen.
I also wish Id said something pithy and quotable about how what the High St really needs is for people to keep coming onto it and supporting the businesses that are here.
And I wish I’d expressed gratitude for all the locals and visitors who do just that.
So I’m doing that here and now. A big thank you to all our lovely customers on Crieff High St. And I’m not saying it because I’m going, I’m saying it because I’m staying. Thank you. :-)
