Perth Christmas lights switch-on event cancelled due to Storm Bert

A Christmas lights switch on event in Perth has been cancelled due to Storm Bert which is to bring strong winds and heavy rain.

The event on Saturday and Sunday has been cancelled after the council said the adverse weather could pose a risk to public safety with large structures like the stage.

An amber warning is in place for the Perth and Kinross region and in Angus, Stirling, Aberdeenshire, Highland and Argyll and Bute.

A yellow alert for rain and snow, covering most of Scotland, is also in force from 4am on Saturday.

Heavy snow, followed by a rapid thaw and subsequent rain on Saturday night, may cause disruption, the Met Office said.

At 5am on Saturday, a yellow wind warning comes into force as Storm Bert touches down in Scotland, bringing gusts of up to 70mph and causing disruption in places.

Areas around the coast are forecast to be worst affected.

The events will not be rescheduled due to the timetable and the costs involved, the council said.

Meanwhile in the west, Renfrew’s switch-on planned for Saturday has also been cancelled due to the weather but the lights will still be turned on at 5pm.

A Perth and Kinross Council statement read: “Unfortunately, after closely monitoring the weather forecasts and consulting with our suppliers, we’ve decided to cancel the Christmas Lights Switch-On weekend activities on Saturday and Sunday due to safety concerns and potential difficulties with travel from outwith Perth.

“In particular, the yellow warning for strong winds which could pose a public safety risk with large structures like the stages.

“We are also aware that with the wider amber and yellow weather warnings people who would otherwise be involved in supporting these events may be needed to provide responses to the impact of weather elsewhere in Perth and Kinross.

“Perth’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event has been a staple of the city centre event calendar for many years and, barring Covid, this is the first time we have ever had to cancel it.

“Unfortunately, due to the timescales and costs involved, we will not be able to reschedule the event to an alternative date.

“However, the Christmas cabins and Santa Grotto will remain in place as advertised.

“We regret and share the disappointment of everyone who was looking forward to the event. We’re sure you agree that safety must come first. Thank you for your understanding.”

A Renfrewshire council spokesperson said: “Due to the current weather forecast for tomorrow, it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel the Renfrew Christmas Lights switch-on.

“Public safety is our top priority, and we must ensure our events are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved and we don’t want to encourage people to travel when the weather conditions are expected to be very poor.

“We’re very sorry to have to take this decision and we know the event is a favourite for people in the town and visitors.

“The town’s Christmas lights will still be switched on from 5pm, and we are planning alternative festive family activities for Renfrew over the next few weeks. Details will be released as soon as possible.”