MSP writes to Nicola Sturgeon over events
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has written to Nicola Sturgeon requesting a clear explanation of when COVID restrictions will be eased to allow events venues to hold large gatherings.
The Perthshire-based Scottish Conservative decided to pen a letter to the first minister after being contacted by several local venues concerned they may have to cancel planned events for a second year in a row.
It comes after confirmation the organisers of the Rewind Festival at Scone Palace have decided to cancel this year’s intended gathering based on the government’s latest guidance for venues.
Mr Fraser told the PA: “I have been contacted by a number of events venues across Mid Scotland and Fife who raised concerns with me about the Scottish Government’s current level of planning and communication for their industry.
“Events venues had planned a full year of activities weighted towards the second half of the year, hoping to capitalise on lockdown ending, and the success of the vaccination programme.
“However, there is a great deal of uncertainty about how matters might stand in the second part of the year, which has already led to a number of events being cancelled, including the Rewind Festival at Scone Palace, which will have serious implications for the local economy.
“I decided to write to the first minister to highlight this problem and ask her for clarification on a roadmap for events venues as there is a serious lack of one in Scotland, which is not good enough.
“Our neighbours down south have been given clearer guidance from the UK Government and therefore provided more certainty to events venues there – we need more of the same up here.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson commented: “We do not underestimate the severe impact the pandemic is having on the events sector and we want organisations to be able to plan effectively for a full reopening but we must continue to move very carefully to ensure continued suppression of COVID-19. We will only have restrictions in place as long as is necessary and are working with stakeholders, including the Events Industry Advisory Group, on longer term recovery of the events sector.
“We understand that physical distancing is a key barrier for many events. The Scottish Government is currently reviewing physical distancing and an announcement of the outcome of this review is due ahead of the planned move to level one on June 7.”