THE Scottish Tories have called for new government guidance to allow school and nursery Christmas concerts to go ahead in person.

The party said parents across Scotland are set to miss out on seeing their children’s festive plays in person because of Covid guidance.

The current rules mean many parents are effectively banned from attending Christmas concerts, the Tories said. 

The party said it was “unfair” that parents would not be allowed to attend Christmas festive plays for another year while people could attend concerts at other venues.

Meghan Gallacher, the party's spokeswoman for children and young people, said: “Young people and their parents have already missed out on so many experiences and treasured memories because of the impact of the pandemic on our schools.

“It’s unfair that while people can currently attend all kinds of other events, parents won't be able to see their children’s festive plays in person.

“We believe a change in Covid guidance is necessary to correct this anomaly immediately. Keeping these rules in place now doesn’t make sense.

“If people can attend nightclubs and gigs safely, surely parents can be allowed in to see their kids take part in Christmas concerts?”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We have decided to adopt a cautious approach and maintain safety mitigations in school for the time being. 

"This decision is based on advice from senior clinicians and takes account of the most recent data.

“The safety of children, young people, and all education staff, remains the overriding priority. 

"There is no room for complacency and we must all continue to remain vigilant to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“We will continue to monitor case rates on a weekly basis, with a view to lifting restrictions at the earliest possible time."