Volunteer-run events in Ayrshire have been left behind by Scottish Government Covid passport guidance, an MSP has claimed.
A host of winter events set to bring the community together have already fallen under the coronavirus axe – with a town parade and firework display cancelled.
Ayrshire Live last week revealed that the Troon Wintertainment parade and the Troon firework display held at Barassie beach were cancelled with organisers confused over guidelines as they bid to put on a show.
The two events were pencilled in for November, with the Wintertainment display headed up by community council and Troon Round Table taking charge of the firework display.
However, both organisers opted to take a cautious approach with the parade brought to a halt and fireworks fizzling out.
Now South Scotland Conservative MSP Sharon Dowey has told how organisers have been forgotten about by the Scottish Government.
Troon SNP MSP Siobhian Brown has promised to raise the issue and get clear answers for organisers on how the guidance will work for parades and firework displays.
Ayrshire Live has requested clear guidance from Holyrood on several occasions which instruct organisers on how to arrange a safe parade or firework display.
Latest guidance dictates that these events fall under ‘exemptions’ to the vaccine passport rules.
Vaccine passports have been brought in for large-scale indoor and outdoor events that are ticketed.
The updated guidance on Thursday, September 30 confirmed that firework displays and parades are exempt as they are public events with "no fixed entry points".
The new guidelines will also impact night venues with music that serve alcohol between midnight and 5am.
Ms Dowey has asked for clarity on the guidelines for community events.
She said: “The Scottish Government must issue clearer guidance on vaccine passports to ensure that smaller events are not left behind.
“These events bring communities together and without clear guidance, smaller-scaled events in Ayrshire will continue to face confusion during the planning stages.
“It is really disappointing to see the news that winter events in Troon have been cancelled. Troon’s firework display and its Wintertainment booth have always served to bring the community together, and it is a great shame that residents will miss out on the opportunity to go along again this year.
“It is also a shame that organisers are finding the new vaccine passport scheme to be a logistical nightmare, with certification required if the event is ticketed.
“The organisers have had a difficult job trying to ensure the safety of attendees is paramount, but this has been complicated by confusion over the new passport scheme.”
Ms Brown said: “I am aware of the issues faced by Wintertainment and I am committed to getting an answer on how the guidelines will work for events like this and for parades and firework displays included as part of them.
“I appreciate the organisers took time to consider safety concerns and that it was at the forefront of their minds.
"I must also commend the small team from Troon Community Council, who has managed to put this fabulous event together. I hope to have answers for them soon.
“Wintertainment is a fabulous community event, great for businesses in the town, it brings everyone together and encourages others from further afield to come to Troon. I am delighted that it is still going ahead, and that Santa will still be visiting.”
Troon SNP councillor Craig Mackay believes a small group of volunteers don't have the resources to to run events.
He said: "It has been very difficult for these volunteers who aren’t comfortable yet to go for a full-scale event.
“I know the community council put in a huge effort and these guidelines change all of the time.
“We have to be optimistic and look forward to a step forward. Having some sort of Wintertainment is better than none at all."
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