www.lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk/events.htm
The following is quoted from an article in todays Scotsman.com ..........
[i]The judges said they had been advised not to carry them, that a licence may now be required and we don't have time to apply for one."[/i]
However, it would appear that the judges, who did not wish to be named, or quoted, are mistaken. The Scottish Government, under the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Act 2007, plans to establish a scheme for the licensing of knife-dealers with a view to restricting the sale, hire, lending or giving of swords and bladed weapons.
But the act is not yet in force and will have specific caveats to protect the use of swords for religious or cultural reasons. A Scottish Government spokesman said: "When we do bring forward restrictions on swords, the legislation allows defences for religious, cultural and sporting purposes among others."
Documentation with the bill added: "In addition, the bill allows defences for other purposes to be specified by Order, and ministers will use this power to provide exceptions to the ban on sale for specified purposes… including Highland games."
Last night, Helen Ford, the director of administration at the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, insisted there was no restriction on the transportation of swords for dancing. "The scheme is not yet in force and we have been told we will not be affected and the dance will continue."
So, the dancing continues defiantly in the face of the terrorists.
