Remembrance Events

The Outer Hebrides Safety Advisory Group (SAG) is reminding those organising outdoor Remembrance Day events of the current restrictions in place both for outdoor events and those held in places of worship.

A spokesperson for the SAG said that “We recognise the constraints on events this year will be deeply disappointing for all who normally take part, however as the Outer Hebrides are under Level 1 restrictions limited outdoor events can still go ahead as long as they comply with the latest guidance. We have provided the following information to help those organising events and if anyone needs further assistance the can email us at sag@cne-siar.gov.uk or call 01851 822694.”

Places of Worship

Acts of remembrance taking place in places of worship, both indoor and confined or enclosed outdoor spaces should adhere to the current guidance for the safe use of places of worship including a maximum of 50 attendees.

Outdoor Events

Under the new framework, seated outdoor events of more than 6 people from 2 different households are permitted in the Outer Hebrides under Level 1 restrictions. This means that organised local Remembrance events will be able to take place outside as long as are fully seated and they comply with the Outdoor Events Guidance.

In accordance with the Outdoor Events Guidance the SAG would expect the following to be considered: 

  • Event organisers will need to carry out an appropriate COVID-19 risk assessment 
  • Attendees must be able to enter and exit the event at fixed points only so numbers can be controlled, and contact details collected 
  • Capacity should be calculated on ensuring 2m physical distancing up to a limit of 200 attendees although we would expect attendees to be kept to a minimum wherever possible. 
  • Event organisers should ensure that attendees do not congregate in areas which could make physical distancing difficult 
  • All attendees to be seated and socially distanced
  • Ensure that attendees details are taken in accordance with Test and Protect guidance
  • Enhanced hygiene measures may be required for instance provision of sanitiser or hand washing facilities
  • In certain circumstances, some singing and wind and brass playing may resume, provided additional mitigations and safeguards are in place. The expectation would be for this to be kept to a minimum for instance a lone piper or bugler and in line with the performing arts guidance. 
  • Links to the full guidance from the Scottish Government are available from the SAG’s Web Pages. 

The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) for the Outer Hebrides is made up of representatives from the Comhairle, the emergency services and other relevant organisations. (Further Information)