Spooky fun still out there

A community effort is underway to help kids across Stirling enjoy a Halloween experience - despite guising being put on hold this year.

Trick or treating has been banned as part of efforts to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

But a Stirling woman is part of efforts to allow children to still get a taste for the spooky season while out and about in their local area.

The Stirling Pumpkin Trail is based on a similar national campaign and draws on the painting of rainbows in windows across the country this summer as a show of support for the NHS.

Edele Smith started a Facebook page for the trail last month and has since been working with community groups to help spread the word.

She said:“the idea came about from the Big Neighbourhood Pumpkin Trail, which is a massive page, so we thought we’d do it on a more local level.

“It’s not an organised trail, but rather a page where people can come together and share pictures of their houses all decorated for Halloween.

“It means that if people are about with their kids, they can see the decorated windows and it just helps brighten everyone’s mood because it can be made into a bit of a fun activity.

“There’s no trick or treating this year, but people can still enjoy decorations in windows or gardens and it just part of trying to lift everyone’s spirits a wee bit.

“Anyone can decorate a pumpkin and put it out on their doorstep and it’s had a real community feel which I think is needed at the moment.”

In place of traditional Halloween activities, the government has shared suggestions to mark the big occasion at home, including ideas around fancy dress and party games.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:“under the current restrictions it is not possible to meet up indoors or in large groups outdoors, so the safest thing to do this year is to stay at home.

“I know guising is a big part of Halloween and children will be sad to miss out, but as door-to-door guising brings an additional and avoidable risk of spreading the virus, our clear advice for families is to avoid it.”

In addition to Halloween, ministers have also published guidelines around Bonfire Night, with families hosting their own fireworks in gardens urged to be responsible and not have large gatherings.

The organisers of the main fireworks display in the region - held at Strathallan Games Park in Bridge of Allan - have already pulled the plug on this year’s spectacular due to restrictions from the pandemic.

Mr Swinney added:“if you do plan on using fireworks this Bonfire Night, please do so responsibly and safely.”