A Scots council has banned people from hiring bouncy castles on its premises over health and safety fears. Highland Council said the size of the inflatables makes it hard for staff to carry out safety checks and has therefore put a 'foreseeable pause' on rentals.
Speaking to the BBC, the local authority said: "The reality of our wonderful and dynamic landscape is that its considerable size, access to some locations and availability of appropriate staff, creates challenges which mean that is not possible to carry out the checks needed, which occur multiple times a year across a vast estate of over 200 schools.
"Therefore, until we have the structures in place to meet these requirements, a regrettable pause will be placed on the hire of inflatables. We hope that families will look forward to their upcoming fairs, and enjoy the day with the other activities on offer.
"We appreciate and thank our community's continued understanding in this decision to safeguard attendees at our local events."
Inverness inflatable company Mascot Madness Entertainment has hit out at the council's decision. Danielle and Alasdair Stewart said they were shocked to learn that a part of their income is now 'effectively burst'.
They were turned away at the gates of one local primary and have had five more cancellations on the back of the council rule change. Posting on Facebook, the couple said: "Over the last decade we have strived to not only provide eye-catching, unique inflatables and entertainment for you all to enjoy but also to make sure they are SAFE.
"It’s very humbling that so many of you put your trust in us to provide entertainment for your special day and you can rest safe in the knowledge that all the equipment you’re hiring meets all HSE legislation.
"As a family, we have sacrificed a lot to get our business to where it is today and the thought of it suffering due to a decision like this is extremely upsetting, we would like nothing more than to work with the local authority to put a process in place that makes sure that ANY event that you guys may attend where there will be a bouncy castle, slide, inflatable etc.
"They are all set up in the safest possible manner by people who are trained and more importantly that understand all the legislation and guidelines to do so. We really hope that this situation is concluded as soon as possible."
Danielle told the Inverness Courier they fear their business will be ruined if this change becomes permanent. She said: “We’ve been left completely in the dark, with no consultation. If they were to continue this ban on bouncy castles in school, it is no exaggeration to say we would be ruined as a business.
“Everyone we have spoken to, friends, parents and teachers, thinks it is just insane. Kids have been through so much having been stuck indoors throughout Covid and now they’re being told bouncy castles in the playground are out of bounds. We’re just a small local business and it is only us and our own kids who are involved. It is just heartbreaking.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
