Restrictions leave drive-in plan stranded

A SECONDARY school has been forced to scrap its Christmas show after Level 3 restrictions banned guests in cars.

Craigie High School in Dundee had planned to host its traditional review as a “drive-in” style event and the school had recently said senior pupils were hard at work “preparing a fun programme of Christmas entertainment”.

It was also hoped the event, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 15, would raise money for performers suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, with Dundee Rep and the charity Help Musicians UK among intended recipients.

However, Craigie High’s music and drama department has now confirmed the performance has been cancelled – even though the audience was limited to one household per car.

Posting on its Twitter page, the department said: “Very disappointed to announce that Craigie High’s Christmas drive in can’t take place due to Covid restrictions in place for Level 3 – public gatherings, even isolated in cars can’t take place.

“Thanks for the support and to the many people who booked a slot for this event.”

It is unclear at this stage if an alternative Christmas show will be arranged.

Under the Scottish Government’s Covid restrictions, no live events are allowed in areas which are under Level 3 or Level 4 restrictions.

Drive-in events are, however, permitted in areas which are in Level 2 or below.

Dundee City Council’s SNP education convener Stewart Hunter said the cancellation was the unfortunate reality of the current restrictions the city faced.

He said: “The guidelines are in place for good reason and unfortunately it has meant that for a lot of schools, this year’s Christmas events are particularly difficult.

“They are a huge part of the school year, whether it’s a pantomime or a carol service, and it is really disappointing that those events can’t go on this year.

“The important thing is that we follow all the guidance from the Scottish Government and do what we are being asked to do so that we can get out of Level 3 as quickly as we can.”

The Strathmartine councillor was optimistic school performances would be up and running again next year and said schools could contact the council if they had any questions over the current restrictions.

He said: “What I would say to schools is to follow the Scottish Government guidance and if they have queries we are happy to double check to see what is and is not permissible.

“It’s been a really tough year for pupils and staff and it would’ve been a really nice thing to do but unfortunately where we are at with the virus, it’s not possible.

“I’m sure at some point once we are back to normal, we can put something on to make up for the lost events this year.”