Three local businesses announce their closure within days of one another

In only a number of days from one another, Tayside Bar and Kitchen, Nicolls butchers and Malky’s Bar have all announced they will be closing.

Tayside Bar and Kitchen opened in April 2023, but the business owner announced they are closing this Saturday, 10th of June 2023.

In a statement on their social media, the business said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but unfortunately it’s no longer financially viable to keep the business open at this current time.

We’d like to thank everyone for their continued support on our social media platforms, but unfortunately, due to the lack of footfall coming in the doors, we are unable to sustain ourselves and have no other choice but to close.

We’d also like to say huge thank you to our staff, as without them, the dream would never of became a reality. It’s just a shame that it had to end so soon, and in the way it has.

With several other businesses also announcing their closure within Perth City Centre in the last few days/weeks, we’re absolutely gutted to be doing the same and would like to urge people to give their utmost support to the ones whom are still remaining.

Any bookings for this week between Tuesday and Saturday will be honoured, and our food stock is only limited, so I would advise a reservation if you’d like to attend our restaurant this week.”

Nicolls butchers announced they are permanently closing due to staffing difficulties.

Perthshire Local, who provide a local app and community within the area, who promote local businesses throughout Perth has criticised Perth and Kinross Council for their road closure signs. In a post they went on to say: “

Perth and Kinross Council / Perth City & Towns have signs all over town saying TAY STREET CLOSED, supported by radio ads by Scottish Water. Erm, it is only closed to TRAFFIC and it’s only a small section. There are still operating businesses on that section of Tay Street. You can still play Golf at King James VI Golf Club, you can still eat at 63 Tay Street, you can still get your hair cut at Louise Robert Cameron hair.

Why do the signs not read “closed to traffic”? Or does something that obvious, simply not enter the minds of the people making these decisions? You know, the ones tasked with regenerating our region’s economy!

Why are there not signs up supporting these businesses whilst the council / Scottish Water carry out this essential, but disruptive work?

The message being put out there by the council is NOT accurate, and because of their lack of understanding of how business and marketing works, they are not helping these businesses, they are making it worse!! Remember Gaia? Remember Bistua? These restaurants were discarded and left to suffer and eventually close because of mistakes made with the work on that side of the Perth Museum. It appears no lessons have been learned!

These businesses need our support over the next 19 months. They need everyone to know they are still operating and it is business as usual, otherwise we shall see more of these signs popping up.

There needs to be a clearer message out there and it needs to be shared, not all kept in house. Sharing is free and it is an efficient way of getting a message out there, especially locally! We must do better!

Please don’t make this about Rates, it is nothing to do with Rates, that is a separate discussion and outwith the council’s control.”

Malky’s Bar also announced the business are permanently closing their doors on the 17th of June 2023, but with no explanation as to why.

Are you concerned Perth is becoming a ghost town?