Families and children across Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to avoid guising this Hallowe’en to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus.
But it hasn’t stopped a flurry of sales of pumpkins as residents across the region are decorating their homes and gardens to beat the Covid blues this weekend.
Pumpkin trails in local parks and in some towns and villages are set to bring smiles to children keen to mark Hallowe’en.
And there are many online competitions by organisations calling for pictures of decorated pumpkins or kids in fancy dress.
It has brought a run on pumpkin sales with some supermarkets running out.
Nicky Grady of The Green Frog at Hammerlands in Moffat said they had a large consignment which has been steadily bought up.
Fellow owner, Robert Brothers said: “Pumpkins are really popular this year because families are working on them together and putting them in their windows and gardens as the pandemic has stopped the usual parties and guising.
“We’ve heard that they have been sold out in the supermarkets.”
The Scottish Government has issued advice on how to have “safe and enjoyable celebrations” for Hallowe’en this weekend and Bonfire Night next week.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the move is necessary to ensure people stay within the current restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings.
Advice on the Scottish Government’s Parent Club website suggests ways for families to have a safe Halloween at home including ideas around party games, fancy dress and storytelling.
Mr 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.
“On Bonfire Night it is vital the public adhere to the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus.
“We know that some people may consider using fireworks in their back gardens.
“If you do plan on using fireworks this Bonfire Night, please do so responsibly and safely.
“Adapting alternative celebrations and sticking to the rules in place can go a huge way to ensuring everyone’s safety.”
