'GREATER RISK'

Coronavirus Scotland: Christmas light switch-ons axed across the country as councils pull the plug due to Covid-19

CORONAVIRUS has pulled the plug on Christmas light switch-ons across Scotland this year.

Festivities have been axed in some areas of the country while other events plan to go ahead in a reduced format.

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It comes as restrictions on gathering kick in from tomorrow - with Scots only able to meet in groups of six from two households.

Events have already been cancelled in East Lothian, North and South Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, South Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Highland council areas.

The popular Winter Festival in Perth will not go ahead, nor will Santa's grotto at the Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

Ticket sales for Edinburgh's Hogmanay party were suspended in July but it's understood the event will go ahead in a reduced format.

The city's Christmas market will also be scaled back.

Local authorities which have scrapped official switch-on events in places such as Ayr, Paisley and Inverness have confirmed they will still be providing Christmas lights.

East Lothian Council leader Willie Innes said: "There is a greater risk of coronavirus spread as we move into winter and so gathering many local people together for community events, even outdoors, poses a risk to public health."

Perth & Kinross Council said: "We will have Christmas lights, but no ceremony to switch them on."

We told earlier this week how Nicola Sturgeon warned she "couldn't promise a normal Christmas" as gathering limits were slashed.

The First Minister has said she wouldn't be able to give "definitive answers" on whether the guidelines will be eased for Christmas Day.