BRYAN COPLAND: A visit to Dundee’s Christmas market didn’t come cheap but it’s something to build on |
It’s fair to say Dundee has had a difficult relationship with Christmas in recent years.
Locals have looked on in envy as other cities like Perth, Edinburgh and Aberdeen have delivered a consistent festive offering, while our local celebrations have been marred by change and disappointment.
Just look at the way the much-hyped Winterfest event collapsed after a couple of years of struggling to attract big crowds to Slessor Gardens.
It was eventually moved to City Square, then failed to open as planned.
Emails we uncovered in December 2023 painted a picture of confusion and chaos as locals missed out entirely on a Christmas celebration.
The 2024 event, Dundee’s Christmas, seemed better organised and – according to a council report – brought a £2.6 million boost to the city centre.
Despite this, it was scrapped, with council bosses promising a return to a more “traditional” offering – including a Christmas tree in City Square and a Christmas lights switch-on.
I was unconvinced that going back was........