Ceremonies switching on Christmas lights look like they won’t be allowed to take place in West Lothian this year.
Christmas light switch-ons and torch processions have been scrapped across Scotland in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Councils have pulled the plug on events in East Lothian, North and South Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, South Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Highlands.
The Courier understands that it will be nearly impossible for any local group to get permission to hold an event in West Lothian.
The risk assessments were previously straightforward applications but now it would be very tough indeed for anyone to get permission to hold an event this year.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We are not aware of planned changes to the erection of Christmas lights and trees during the festive period, although the council does not manage events.
“We are also not currently aware of any plans to hold formal ceremonies to switch on lights.”
Normally towns across the county enjoy their own celebrations, and the likes of Bathgate have unique annual torch lights processions.
However, it is not just switch-ons that have been axed.
Popular festive events for Scots punters, such as Winter Festival in Perth and the Santa's Grotto in Coatbirdge will not get the green light this Christmas.
In West Lothian, Five Sisters Zoo are going ahead with their Christmas Illuminations festive countdown but a number of events have been cancelled already for this winter and people are advised to check before travelling.
