Aberdeen Inspired has been branded hypocritical by local traders denied the chance to set up shop at this year’s Christmas Village.
The business promotion group’s Aberdeen Winter Festival will transform the city centre into a festive wonderland, complete with a Christmas tree maze, a Santa parade and more.
But fears have been raised that the month-long celebration – run in partnership with Aberdeen City Council – is not doing enough to support struggling independent companies within the city.
Ruary Campbell, who sells hot food from a vintage van around the north-east, said he registered his interest to sell at the Union Terrace event back in summer, only to be told at the end of last month that all catering stands have been sold to one company, believed to be from Glasgow.
Mr Campbell said: “It’s extremely disappointing, because not only are local businesses being prevented from trading at the market, there’s a worry that residents will see what’s actually on offer, think it’s local businesses and think that’s the best us local businesses can do.”
Mr Campbell said that Aberdeen Inspired, which promotes supporting local industry, needs to lead by example at the event.
He said: “It’s very hypocritical.
“Last year we had informal assurances that local businesses would be supported at the Christmas market this year, and as a result our diary for the next six weeks is now rather empty.”
A spokesman for Aberdeen Inspired said: “Aberdeen Inspired is committed to working with Aberdeen City Council and other partners in delivering a fantastic festive offering this year and beyond.
“As you can imagine, in order to deliver an event of this scale, we must have a sustainable business model that allows us to put on the largest Christmas Village that this city has seen, at a time when some other larger towns and cities have had to pull back on their festive offering.
“We are confident there will be a strong local presence within the village and we look forward to sharing the details of this in very early course.
“The partners in this event will continue to take all feedback on board and would be only too happy to meet with anyone who wants to discuss the issue further.”