Big Weekend cancelled over fears

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee has been scrapped over coronavirus fears as the number of confirmed cases in Scotland continues to grow.

A total of 85 patients have now been diagnosed with Covid-19, taking the tally across the UK to 798 – an increase of 208 from Thursday. Three cases have been recorded in Tayside, one fewer than the incorrect number released previously.

The virus has also claimed its first life in Scotland, with chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood confirming an elderly patient in the Lothian area, who had underlying health conditions, has died after contracting the illness.

The Big Weekend, which had been scheduled to feature music giants such as Harry Styles, Camila Cabello and Scots rockers Biffy Clyro, was due to take place in Dundee from May 22.

The Courier revealed yesterday BBC bosses were locked in talks over the event’s future after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a ban on gatherings of more than 500 people. The organisation has now confirmed the festival will not go ahead.

A statement released by BBC Radio 1 said: “This decision has been made in conjunction with our event partners, in line with the advice from the Scottish Government, and while we know fans looking forward to purchasing tickets will be disappointed, it is important that we prioritise the health and safety of all those involved.”

The Courier has learned the event will not take place in any capacity this year but the organisation is currently holding

talks with Dundee City Council about future options.

Meanwhile, NHS Tayside launched a pilot of the drivethrough coronavirus testing stations seen in other health boards at Dundee’s Royal Victoria Hospital yesterday.

Medical director Peter Stonebridge said: “NHS Tayside carried out a successful pilot run of drive-through testing and we will be evaluating whether to continue with this approach as national guidance develops.”

Mr Stonebridge confirmed the health board is currently looking at “stepping down” some non-urgent procedures or clinics from next week but vowed cancellations will be kept to a minimum.

“We know that this may be upsetting for patients but we hope that people will understand why we need to take these exceptional measures,” he said.

It comes after Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said non-urgent operations across Scotland will be postponed over a number of weeks to cope with service demand.

“We need to free up capacity in our hospital settings and increase where we can the capacity there and in the community,” she said.

“But patients have our assurance that all appointments will be rescheduled as quickly as possible as we get through the challenge to our NHS that Covid19 presents.”

St Andrews University confirmed yesterday a student had tested positive for coronavirus and is now receiving medical care.

Principal Sally Mapstone revealed the individual, who lives alone in private accommodation in St Andrews, had been in Switzerland and took ill the day after they returned to the UK.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design has closed both its Matthew and Crawford buildings for deep cleaning over the weekend.

In a statement, the college said it had become aware of a “member of our community” who had been in contact with a known coronavirus case and was now self-isolating.

The SNP and Scottish Conservatives have also announced they will postpone their spring conferences due to the spread of the virus.

Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw said the party’s conference, due to take place in Perth in mid-May, will now be moved to later in the year.

SNP members have received an email alerting them to the postponement of their party’s conference, which was due to be held in Edinburgh in June.