Good morning everyone.
It was a pivotal moment yesterday as the Scottish Government launched the route map out of the COVID-19 enforced lockdown. I know there are still questions on “what’s next” for Fencing in Scotland and we will share our plan for restarting shooting over the next few days.
We are part of the British Fencing Home Nations group and are analysing the input we receive from that group along with the legislative changes and advice we are likely to see from Scottish Government and sportscotland.
The Scottish Government route map has 4 phases and the first set of potential easing of restrictions focuses almost exclusively on outdoor sports. There are no easing of restrictions due to be announced until May 28th so for the next few days we are still observing the lockdown criteria which remains to only conduct essential travel and maintain physical distancing at all times if out exercising or shopping.
We will align any return to Fencing with the Scottish Government guidance and I understand the frustration if this looks different to other Home Nations. However, there are other areas where home nation collaboration is key and the positive conversations we have had with British Fencing and other home nations have created a really positive environment.
We are still a long time away from sport looking as it did back in January and February of this year (if it ever does) and maintenance of physical distancing will be with us into the end of Phase 3 of the published Scottish Government guidance with likely retention into Phase 4.
Public sector facility access is still not likely for a number of months so whilst the easing of restrictions will hopefully improve lives the delivery of fencing will still be impacted. To that end, maintaining the fun activities we are seeing on social media from our clubs continues to be vital so please do keep these going and keep sharing with us.
We will publish our “return to fencing in Scotland” first phase guidance next week and in the meantime if there are any questions please do drop me a line on
Vincent.Bryson@scottish-fencing.com
Vincent Bryson
Chief Executive
Scottish Fencing
