Edinburgh businesses brace for impact on trade ahead of sold-out Oasis shows

Edinburgh business owners are bracing themselves for the arrival of Oasis, who kick off their three sold-out shows at Murrayfield this weekend.

Up to 210,000 fans are expected to descend on the city over the three shows beginning on Friday.

For some, it’s a business bonanza, but for others, disruptions in the area mean they will lose trade.

Graeme, who has operated a car garage right beside Murrayfield stadium for 20 years, says the road closures in place mean he could lose thousands of pounds of business.

Graeme claims he won't make any money during the concerts. — Graeme claims he won’t make any money during the concerts. STV News

“I’ll be obviously shut, all of Friday, most of Tuesday, not back open until Wednesday”, he told STV News.

“Then we’ve got AC/DC the following week.

“Obviously, I can’t make money, but I’ve still got to pay my rent, still got to pay my wages, still got to pay all my bills.

“I won’t make any money. I’m a small business and I’ve been here 20 years. I know the council has given the green light for more and more concerts.”

The closures will impact several streets around the stadium, including the surrounding ones by Ali’s Deli. He says the disruption will mean his customers may be impacted on the first date of the run.

Ali runs a deli by Murrayfield Stadium. STV News

“It’s a very busy day”, he told STV News. “People are still coming back from holidays in the meantime so, I think it’s going to have a really bad effect on the business that day because people will not be able to access the area.

“However, as a business owner and manager, it is going to affect our delivery, even the rubbish collection on a Friday.

“Compared to the May concert, which was really busy. That was good. Here’s hoping the day will be the same, but on Friday, I’m not sure.

“We will just see how it goes.”

The local council has urged Oasis fans only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if they have a ticket to the sold-out shows.

They have also appealed to those attending to “remember our residents”.

Extra trains, trams and buses will be put in place to accommodate the crowds, while key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up after each show.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “Excitement is building in Edinburgh for Oasis Live 25 as it’s our turn to witness rock history.

“With all of our partners in the city we’ve been planning for this for some time to make sure we’re ready to welcome thousands of Oasis fans over three nights.

“There will be extra trains, trams, and buses to accommodate concert goers, along with those attending our summer festivals. With this in mind, we urge you to plan ahead.

“We are keen for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after. Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we remember our residents.

“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. We’re urging people to only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.”