Late-night shopping: 'Grasp nettle or get stuck in the slow lane'

Published on Wednesday 2 March 2011 11:13

IT IS one of the frustrations of living in our great city that during the week, just when most of us are free to go shopping, the vast majority of the city centre stores close.

Imagine how good it would be to head to Princes Street or George Street after work on a spring evening instead of having to ask yourself "Can I face the scrum?" on a Saturday or Sunday.

It is an anomaly that except on Thursdays our busiest shopping streets turn into a ghost town after 5.30pm, when you can visit out-of-town centres until 8pm, libraries until 9pm, public swimming pools until 10pm and some supermarkets around-the-clock.

And if it bugs us, then imagine how it feels to visitors from North America and elsewhere who have grown used to such late opening as standard.

The idea of the city offering free parking from 5pm instead of 6.30pm - as well as street entertainment being laid on - may be just the kickstart that is needed to make longer opening hours a reality after years of talk but little action.

If we don't grasp the nettle there is a real danger that Edinburgh will get left in the shopping slow lane. With the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool, and even Preston, embracing weekday opening until 8pm, soon it won't just be US tourists who will expect the same in the Capital.

Gathering storm

the fall of Henry McLeish over an undeclared rent and of Wendy Alexander after a minor donation are reminders that seemingly small political irritations can grow to critical levels.

Are we witnessing a repeat over The Gathering, in particular the city council's dismal mishandling of an idea that it should help creditors?

For the record, the News finds it hard to believe that any of the four council figures criticised by MSPs for giving "not credible" evidence did anything intentionally wrong. Even critics of Jenny Dawe's leadership style would find it hard to paint her as in any way dishonourable.

But this is politics, and opposition parties smell blood. The Tories are being particularly aggressive and won't give up until they have answers to some legitimate questions.

The News last week called for light to be shone on this "murky affair" and new council chief Sue Bruce is to investigate. Everything we know about Mrs Bruce suggests she won't sweep any dirt under the rug.

But her investigation must be quick and the findings fully public or this little scandal will fester further.We aren't ready to call it Gatheringgate yet. But watch this space.