Cancellation of Edinburgh's Christmas market will cost the economy £88m - your views

Intro

Christmas market

Cancellation of Edinburgh's Christmas market will cost the economy £88.4 million, research claims

Donna Danielle Stars

I am well aware local folks don’t like Underbelly and the market. However, it brings tourism. That benefits hotels, B&B, hostels, cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, travel and so forth, most of which have had a horrific year. Plus the jobs supported and topped up by the income the market normally brings may be lost too.

Robert Baker

An estimated loss of £88m... and how many estimated cases and deaths of Covid avoided? We were in Edinburgh for last year’s festival and can see both sides of the argument, but talk about a potential "super spreader". There's no doubt of the benefits the Christmas Festival brings to the city, but generally its not going to be the local population that creates the bulk of the financial benefit, its people travelling in for it. So with current Covid travel bans keeping those people away, cancellation makes a lot of sense.

Jim Oliphant

A great decision! It would be insane to have crowds gather like sheep in a pend during the worldwide Covid 19 pandemic!

Richard Blackwood

Yes, we definitely shouldn't shop outside and help small businesses ravaged by restrictions. Instead, shop inside at a large chain like Tesco or maybe order from Scamazon. Stay safe people.

Jason Mckay

I'm starting a go-fund-me for Underbelly and our councillors to help them financially over this festive period. Donate all you can.

Mary Graham

Can't think why some think this is funny or a good thing. Economic downfall affects every one of us, whether you liked the market or not. Won’t be funny when prices go up and probably taxes.

Lucien Romano

No it won’t. Most of the obscene profits made by Plunderbelly from selling overpriced tat doesn’t stay in Edinburgh or benefit its residents in any way. A smaller event run by local businesses would make just as much for the city.

Smith C Karen

Yeah, well they can safely claw back £5 million for the unnecessary Spaces for People budget. But they still want to waste the money. Unbelievable at this desperate time.

Paul Clarkson

Very few locals benefit from anything in Edinburgh.

Wendy Sclarson

Maybe the economy will think about locals for once, rather than thinking all the time about tourists and making money.

Mark Russell

That’s a bit harsh. I agree food is over priced, but it is all fun. Next year during the Festival and market, perhaps Underbelly could be more outgoing and pay people the way they should be paid.

Nancy Morrison

Never got a penny from any of the festivals in this city, so this is no great loss to me, but I feel for the pubs and cafes.

Ken Johnston

Underbelly will be so upset at losing their millions. Good.

Chris Waugh

Not a fan of Underbelly, but it obviously affects the hotels, bars, restaurants and shops that the incoming market goers would have used and spent money in.

Mabossa Ritchie

Mostly overpriced crap, its a rip-off – very colorful and festive, but rip off none the less.

Catherine Luke

. . . and potentially prevent how many infections?

David Black

How many of the 35,000 jobs that we are told are dependent on the festivals have been lost? Come on Adam, tell us.

Tiger Cairns

Good, they are all all greedy with their crazy prices – £8 for a hot dog!

Sean Mcdermott

The money doesn’t go to Edinburgh, never has, other than the rent that CEC charges Underbelly for the use of the Gardens.

Billy Auld

Don't worry. The Edinburgh residents will be penalised to cover costs.

Lisa Cairns

Why are food and drink stalls permitted when Edinburgh’s hospitality is dying?

Lynn Judy Morris

Princes Street Gardens thanks the universe for the respite.

Sofia Smol

Obviously! Edinburgh’s economy is based on tourism and hospitality. It’s not only Christmas markets but also the Fringe in August etc. As long as we don’t see tourists, the numbers will go to the worst.

Jane Tierney

It is disgusting how much it costs to take a couple of kids. It’s just obscene and daylight robbery.