A green activist's plan to hold a "drumming for the planet" event with 50 friends in Galashiels, Selkirkshire has fallen foul of health and safety rules.
The activist, Alan Sutherland, who asked for permission to hold the event, was astonished when the local authority subsequently demanded £5million insurance cover. Mr Sutherland was informed that he would need to meet the whopping public liability insurance to meet health and safety rules. He was also told to supply a risk assessment and evidence that any damage will be made good.
Mr Sutherland criticised the red tape as being "over the top". He has vowed to go ahead with the event without permission and said, "It's ridiculous. It's not like I am planning a Borders version of T In The Park. I explained it wasn't going to be huge affair."
A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council confirmed Mr Sutherland would have to meet the rules outlined in its letter, stating, "This is a standard pack we send to event organisers." However, a TaxPayers' Alliance spokeswoman said, "Demanding such expensive insurance to cover a small gathering is pricing taxpayers out of their own park."
The Health and Safety Executive provide guidance (HSG195: The Event Guide) for those who organise music events so that the events run safely by bringing together the information needed by events organisers, their contractors and employees and help satisfy the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
