Scots Christmas Event Starry Nights Cancelled Due to Storm Damage

The popular Christmas event known as Starry Nights has been cancelled this year due to significant damage caused by recent storms. The event, held annually at Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow in West Lothian, attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its festive lights trail.

Despite extensive remediation efforts by the local council, including major recovery operations involving tree surgeons and inspectors, it has been determined that the event cannot safely proceed. A spokesperson for West Lothian Council stated that the damage was severe enough to prevent the necessary preparations for this year’s event.

Contractual Changes Following Cancellation

In light of the cancellation, event organizers GC Live Limited are seeking to terminate their five-year agreement with the council early. They have proposed a £30,000 exit payment to facilitate this change. This payment is intended to offset the financial implications for the council, ensuring that they do not incur losses due to the cancellation.

The council indicated that ongoing discussions with GC Live have focused on the difficulties arising from increased storm risks, which have made it challenging to secure adequate insurance coverage for events like Starry Nights. The spokesperson highlighted that efforts to explore alternative venues were ultimately unfeasible due to tight time constraints associated with site inspections and licensing processes.

“Following discussions between West Lothian Council and GC Live to explore the option of an alternative venue, it was agreed that the remaining timescales would not allow for the necessary site inspections, planning processes, or licensing to take place in time,” the council representative explained.

Future Event Considerations

Looking ahead, West Lothian Council is actively seeking opportunities for future events beyond 2025. The council aims to explore potential alternatives that could safely accommodate the community while addressing the heightened risk of severe weather. This proactive approach reflects the council’s commitment to maintaining vibrant community events despite recent challenges.

GC Live’s proposed exit payment is equivalent to the anticipated earnings the council would have received had the Starry Nights event taken place. This arrangement is designed to ensure that the council’s financial position remains stable while future event opportunities are evaluated.

In addition to the cancellation of Starry Nights, residents have been informed of upcoming changes to the Boxing Day Bank Holiday schedule, further impacting the festive calendar in Scotland. As the situation develops, the council remains focused on fostering community engagement through future events.