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Science festival Family Fun Day cancelled as part of coronavirus response





The science festival organisers say they hope to go ahead with a reduced public and schools programme.
The science festival organisers say they hope to go ahead with a reduced public and schools programme.

Caithness International Science Festival's Family Fun Day is among the latest events to be cancelled as part of the nationwide response to coronavirus.

The family day is normally a centrepiece of the annual festival, attracting hundreds of people, and this year it had been scheduled for Saturday, March 21, in Wick High School.

The organising body, Science O3, says that as things stand the schools programme and evening events will still take place.

In a statement, Science O3 said: "We are disappointed to announce that due to the outbreak of Covid-19, and considering current advice from the Scottish Government, the committee has taken the decision to cancel the Caithness International Science Festival Family Fun Day due to take place on Saturday, March 21, at Wick High School.

"Given the popularity and nature of this event, with almost all exhibits and activities being interactive and hands-on, we feel that this is the most sensible approach at this time.

"At present the schools programme will still take place, as will the programme of evening events. We will keep our Facebook page and website updated and will continue to follow Government guidelines when assessing whether or not events will go ahead."

Professor Iain Baikie, chairman of Science O3, said: “The situation is very dynamic. We would ask members of the public to monitor our website for current updates.

"At this time, we hope to go ahead with a reduced public and schools programme. Unfortunately, the Family Fun Day is cancelled as it is an event with more than 500 people.

"The science festival committee works for a whole year to bring this event to Caithness so we are saddened and disappointed that these events have culminated exactly at the time of the festival. We hope the public will understand we are managing a difficult situation.”

Meanwhile, a blues music concert planned for Wick next month has been called off as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Kings of the Blues gig was due to be performed by Main Street Blues in the Assembly Rooms on Friday, April 17.

A spokesman for the band said: "Due to the current coronavirus outbreak and the risks of the spread increasing over the following months, it is with deep regret that our Kings of the Blues shows in Wick and Kirkwall on April 17 and 18 have had to be cancelled, with a view to rescheduling the shows later in the year."

Discussions are taking place with the venues and local outlets regarding refunds for those who had purchased tickets.


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