Kincraig will have to remember, remember the last fifth of November

The biggest Bonfire Night celebration in the strath has had to be cancelled because of a shake-up in red tape.

One of the literal highlights of the social calendar for many years, Kincraig’s fireworks display will not be going ahead on the War Memorial field because the cost of insuring the event is now too high.

Mark Lynch, Kincraig Community Hall Association chairman, told the Strathy that everyone connected with the event is disappointed by having to call it off.

He said: “This year has seen a change in licensing arrangements which has left us having to find a new public liability insurance provider in order to carry out the fireworks display.”

“The cheapest cover for just one evening was £500 and would have taken the overall bill for the night past £2000.

“As a non-profit making organisation, we simply can’t go to that.

“Every year is different – a couple of years back we had a wet one and frankly the
entire operation left us with about £35 in the bank – and that was without all the extra costs.

“Other years we have been left with healthy balances but these days you can’t guarantee anything.

“You have to remember we don’t charge entry fees and people are simply invited to make a donation as they pass through the gates.

“Also, there were going to be serious attendance restrictions involved.”

One of the insurance providers approached would only provide cover for a crowd of just 500 people.

Kincraig’s Bonfire night attracts visitors from across the strath and beyond, and the attendance can be nudging 1000 people.

This would have created extra headaches for the volunteer marshalls having to in effect police entry numbers.

Former organiser Ramsay Steven was at the helm of the event for many years after it moved up from the banks of Loch Insh to the War Memorial field, thanks to the initiative of two Kincraig community stalwarts Lisa Duffus and Leona Taylor.

“As time has gone by it has become an incredible draw, with hundreds pouring through the gate," he said.

“This year's decision a massive disappointment and we know that a lot of people will miss out.

“It’s always been such a good community event – over and above the brilliant displays we have the major attraction of a real live fire engine and crew from Kingussie which kids have always loved clambering over.

“We’re sure something will be staged next year though.”

The bonfire bash raised much-needed cash for the upkeep of the village’s community hall and the event brought together the association with the members of the local community
council, who manned a hugely successful catering tent which regular sold out of food.

Mr Lynch said next year’s event was already on the association’s agenda and it was hoped that an affordable way of insuring the event could be found for 2020.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “As of April 1, 2018 the Financial Services Act introduced by the UK government meant that local authorities were no longer able to insure community groups as they are not licensed brokers.”

Last year’s Bonfire Night celebrations were still able to go ahead as the paperwork was already in place before the cut-off date.

In January 2017 the Highland licensing committee varied its public entertainment stipulations.

While premises used for indoor exhibitions, lectures and illustrated talks no longer require a licence there is a requirement to hold a licence for public fireworks displays, laser displays and war games where there is no admission fee or charge.

Previously a licence was only required where there was a charge to view or take part in such activities.

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