Places of worship set to welcome congregations

Churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship can once again welcome congregations through their doors.

While they were previously allowed to open for individual contemplation and prayer, today marks a large relaxation of the lockdown restrictions.

Under phase three of the Scottish Government’s coronavirus route map, venues can now admit up to 50 people at a time, depending on their size and provided they meet a number of strict conditions.

Social distancing regulations between different household groups must be observed, and all worshippers’ contact details must be gathered in case the need for contact tracing arises.

People will not be allowed to use communal items – such as prayer books and mats – and faith leaders have been told they must take “all reasonable measures” to adapt any rites and rituals to ensure people’s safety.

In addition, congregations must avoid singing, chanting or the playing of wind instruments to avoid potential virus transmission.

Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney Anne Dyer, from the Scottish Episcopal Church, said she was “delighted” that collective worship can now resume.

She said: “In my diocese, church leaders are making preparations to welcome congregations.

“Great care is being taken to ensure that church buildings are safe environments for visitors.

“Churches will open one by one, as they are ready.

“Our buildings are houses of prayer, it is so good that they will be used for that purpose once again.”

Dr Waheed Khan, from Inverness Masjid and the Highlands Islamic Education and Community

Centre, said leaders there have been preparing to reopen for several weeks.

He added: “It’s a big day for us and we have been waiting for this for a long time.

“We are all looking forward to coming back together. It will be good for the whole community.”

Father Stanislaw Pamula, the parish priest for Eigg, Mallaig, Canna and St Mary’s in Arisaig, will hold his first public mass since March today.

The service will also be streamed live over Facebook, to accommodate those who cannot safely attend.

He said: “The whole idea of being a church implies warmth and human contact and, of course, we are not able to have that because of social distancing.

“It has been a struggle but we are doing all we can to keep people safe.

“The parishioners have been a great support and I am sure we will endure through this time.”