PERTH BROLLY HIRE (2019–2026): Umbrella Rental Kiosk Succumbs to Sunny Intervals
Much-loved stall could not survive a 10 per cent chance of rain. Survived by 400 umbrellas, all dry.
An umbrella, now between jobs. Photo: CW HADIC M223 KSUM, “HK AM Admiralty Station MTR sale 縮骨遮 umbrella February 2023 Px3 01”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
PERTH BROLLY HIRE, the umbrella-rental kiosk that served Kinnoull Street shoppers for seven damp years, closed its shutters for the final time this week after a run of mild, dry weather left it with no customers and a deep sense of betrayal.
Founded in the wet spring of 2019, the kiosk once hired out 1,200 umbrellas in a single July afternoon. Its proudest moment came in August 2023, when it ran out entirely and the owner lent out his own coat.
Its final day was 29 October 2026: sunny intervals, 15°C, a 10 per cent chance of rain. “We hired out one umbrella,” said a former staff member. “A tourist wanted it for a photo.”
Survived by 400 umbrellas, all dry, and a laminated sign reading BACK WHEN IT RAINS. Flowers may be left at the kiosk, under a canopy, just in case.
The real story: Perth forecast (Met Office)
Letters to the Editor
The views expressed are those of the reader, and frankly that's on them.
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Gone too soon. One dry Thursday and that’s it. Brutal business.
— Angus R., Bridgend, 29 October 2026 -
I hired an umbrella there once and they never asked for it back. I still feel guilty.
— Sandra M., Perth, 29 October 2026
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