‘Edinburgh doesn’t need this rip off market’: Readers react to green light for 2021 Christmas Market

Plans for Edinburgh’s 2021 Christmas Market event have been given the green light by councillors.

Two thirds of the plans have been approved, though a decision on the proposals for the High Street and Parliament Square has been delayed due to concerns over the length of time Cockburn Street will be closed - and the impact on disabled parking access.

Understandably, readers have expressed strong views at the prospect of the return of the annual event.

Here is what some of them had to say.

John Hewit said: “I must admit, I do enjoy the Christmas markets, having been to many around Europe (Cologne and Berlin being the best ones) but the Edinburgh one is by far the most eye watering money maker I’ve ever experienced and I’ve been to the one at Hyde park!

“It used to be really nice with independent stalls but they all got priced out of it by Underbelly.

“I look forward to it,” he added, “but I doubt my wallet will.”

Meanwhile Dan Bentley expressed concern over the environmental impact of the markets, asking: “I wonder if they’ll be cutting down any more trees to accommodate increased income again this time?”

“Please do not destroy the gardens,” Sheila Coyle agreed.

Angie Bradshaw said Princes Street Gardens “have never looked as good as they have this year,” adding that it was a bonus “being able to move around the city centre.”

“Do it on the meadows”, Rachel Anne Jeffrey suggested, adding: “leave the gardens alone.”

Lesley Paton argued that Edinburgh “doesn’t need this rip off market”, proposing instead that the city council “lay more on for families free of charge.”

Frank Martin agreed, calling the decision the “worst news ever”.

“The dreaded Underbelly bringing their tat and bars to Edinburgh. Edinburgh council clearly looking after them.”

Tracey Mitchell said simply: “I won't be going.”

But John Ovens disagreed. He said: “I wish folk would stop being Ba Humbug,” and argued that the market “brings trade into the local hotels, transport, local shops,” and “provides jobs for locals.

“Let’s have something to look forward to in 2021,” he added.

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