Larger weddings in hotels could go ahead if 2m distancing rule relaxed

Large weddings could be allowed to return in hotels with bespoke function suites if the 2m rule around social distancing is reduced by the Scottish Government, an SNP minister has suggested.

Tourism minister Fergus Ewing was responding yesterday to questions during the culture, tourism, Europe and external affairs committee. He said social distancing was the main issue stopping large indoor weddings.

Responding to a question from Oliver Mundell MSP, Mr Ewing said “as soon as it is safe to do so” hotels would be allowed to hold larger weddings indoors.

Conservative MSP Oliver Mundell raised the issue that many hotels in his constituency, particularly in Gretna, were feeling the impact of coronavirus, not just due to the lack of tourist trade, but also on the reduction in the number and size of weddings.

He said: “It’s very acutely felt in Gretna Green in my constituency.

“There are a number of tourism and hospitality businesses, particularly hotels, but also associated businesses who are very dependent on the wedding trade, and clearly weddings and not going to go back to normal on 15 July from the route map, and will be on a much more limited scale.”

Mr Ewing said: “I do appreciate this is very, very important for the hotel sector and it is also tied in with the twometre rule. … We all hope that we can see progress on social distancing as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Bettina Sizeland, deputy director of tourism and major events at the Scottish Governmen, said: “During phase three we will relax restrictions on funeral attendances, marriages and civil partnerships to beyond close family.

“That will be continue to be under review.”