Victorian Market protesters get more support in Inverness

THERE was strong support for traders facing eviction from the Victorian Market in Inverness when they staged a protest on Saturday.

Their two-hour protest came after city councillors agreed a

£1.5 million revamp of the market and fish hall.

Around 15 traders will be given notices to quit so the work can begin next year but those affected feel they are being kept in the dark and are campaigning for a better deal.

They are calling on Highland Council to meet the relocation costs, increase the notice period from three to six months and increase an already improved compensation offer of nine months rent to rent of one year.

Svetlana MacDonald, who has run the Haberdashery for the past 17 years, said: “The public was very supportive – whoever was passing by said good on us.”

David Haas, Inverness City area manager said a number of sessions had been held with the traders in an effort to “keep businesses informed as to what’s happening next”.

The changes include creating a central atrium and longer opening hours in a bid to increase footfall.

Shoppers were also entertained on Saturday by a group of carol singers who were led by Tracey Walsh of the Military Wives Choir.

See today's Courier for more photos.

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