Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has written to the Scottish Government asking that it urgently rethinks its guidance on school nativity plays and Christmas fayres.

This comes as many local parents have got in touch with Jackie, upset at being told that their children’s schools are not allowed to hold nativity plays or Christmas fayres due to COVID-19. This is despite shows in normal theatres being able to run with limited restrictions and the rest of society being allowed to enjoy the social side to the festive season.

Jackie Baillie raised the obvious inconsistencies in the guidance with the government and asked whether this could be reviewed so that children and parents do not miss out.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“I completely understand why local parents are so upset by this guidance. It is inconsistent with the approach taken elsewhere so we see large crowds allowed at football and rugby, even the theatres are open, but a small nativity play is not allowed.

“Pupils, parents and teachers alike make valuable, cherished memories at this time of year and it is unfair that their celebrations have been curtailed while the rest of the public are allowed to enjoy everything that the festive season has to offer.

“The Scottish Government must address the obvious double standards and rethink its plans immediately before it is too late for schools to organise anything.”